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
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
“Many presidents wouldn’t have that tone for personal moral reasons,” Rowland said, “but they also know that it can backfire when things don’t go well.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
“Between the five of you not a single one thought that maybe this was too dangerous, that it would most likely backfire spectacularly.”
From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste
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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