Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for backfire. Search instead for backfired.
Definitions

backfire

[bak-fahyuhr] / ˈbækˌfaɪər /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But further destabilising the island could backfire on the US, said LeoGrande, who wrote the book Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Yet the stunning recent drop in domestic supplies may soon backfire as the summer travel season approaches.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Then again, Patel’s entire stint at the FBI suggests he doesn’t understand that all his efforts to manifest an image of a smart, cool guy that everyone likes are so ham-fisted that they inevitably backfire.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

In some cases, letting your spouse take care of the finances can backfire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

He was complacent and insecure, daring in the administrative stratagems he employed to bring himself to the attention of his superiors and craven in his concern that his schemes might all backfire.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller




Vocabulary lists containing backfire


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "backfire" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com