Backfire
Backfire verb - To have the reverse of the desired or expected effect.
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Synonyms for Backfire
Fail is a synonym for backfire in have an opposite effect topic. In some cases you can use "Fail" instead a verb "Backfire".
Nearby Words: backfired, backfiring
Fail
Fail verb - To stop functioning.
Backfire is a synonym for fail in be unsuccessful topic. You can use "Backfire" instead a verb "Fail".
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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To conquer the fortress, the professor usually comes up with complicated plans and inventions, which horribly backfire or fail due to unforeseen circumstances.
Source: Comic Book / De Generaal -
All his attempts to get turned back to his original gender fail or backfire.
Source: First Law of Gender-Bending - However, there is a noticeable chance (game-breaking glitch notwithstanding) that the charged shot will fail and backfire, instead summoning an invincible shadow copy of Mega Man to join the enemies and attempt to beat the crap out of you.
Source: Dangerous Forbidden Technique
Cite this Source
Fail and Backfire. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/fail
Backfire & Fail. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/fail>.
Fail or Backfire. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/fail.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backfire" and "fail" have occurred on timeline