backfires 1 of 2

verb

Definition of backfiresnext
present tense third-person singular of backfire
as in collapses
to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect my plan to throw her a surprise party backfired when she ended up thinking that everyone had forgotten her birthday

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backfires

2 of 2

noun

plural of backfire
as in forest fires

Synonyms & Similar Words

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfires
  1. collapses
  2. wildfires
  3. bonfires
Verb
  • After her 10-year relationship collapses, a newly single woman dives back into the dating pool, navigating seven wildly different romantic entanglements that prepare her for her future husband.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024
  • In the aftermath, Gloria’s world collapses.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of collapses
Noun
  • Although vague, the threat could have serious consequences for California, where major wildfires can cause billions of dollars in damage, much of which is typically covered by the federal government.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Cal Fire estimates that 95% of wildfires are caused by humans, including from carelessness, deliberate ignitions and infrastructure failures.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of wildfires
Noun
  • Activities ranged from yoga classes and forest hikes with the resident goats to watercolor painting, s’mores bonfires, and artisanal honey tastings that perfectly captured the upstate vibe.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024
  • The annual event includes bonfires on the beach, a festive parade, holiday markets and more.
    Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Definition of bonfires
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near backfires

backfired

backfires

backfiring

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“Backfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfires. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on backfires

Nglish: Translation of backfires for Spanish Speakers

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