backfire
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 that can backfire when the hype does not match the performance - though the loss to the Cherries was just the second home league defeat of the season.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
Once someone has formed an opinion, debunking their belief can backfire, driving them to commit even more strongly to their mistake.
From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026
The NFL is taking proactive steps to limit the possibility of a work stoppage involving the referees’ union, but could the league’s plans backfire?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Greek authorities have strongly opposed vaccination, arguing that the antibodies they create can backfire by giving false signals of infection.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 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
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
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"Laws are not the only way to boost immunization”: an editorial from Nature
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Catching Fire
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