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.
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
It’s a move that could backfire for the artificial-intelligence start-up.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 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
The pressure is now on CEO Vinai Venkatesham - previously at Arsenal - sporting director Johan Lange, and the Lewis family, who are over-seeing affairs, as the gamble of Tudor's appointment continues to backfire.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
“Er,” said Harry into the sudden silence; he had not expected his plan to backfire like this, “shall...shall we go up to the party, then?”
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
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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