Backfire
Backfire verb - To have the reverse of the desired or expected effect.
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Synonyms for Backfire
React and backfire are semantically related In some cases you can use "React" instead a verb "Backfire".
Nearby Words: backfired, backfiring
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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Beware of using this on someone Too Dumb to Fool, as they may misinterpret your taunt as an Insult Backfire and react the opposite of how you want them to.
Source: I Shall Taunt You -
Ironic Birthday Insult Backfire: Danny and Wheeler react to Gail's attempts at abuse more with bemusement than anything else.Gail: Well, well, well.
Source: Film / Role Models - It didn't even last that long... Advice Backfire: The first time the audience meets Lola and Kevin, she offers him the advice that "its easier to ask forgiveness than permission" (referring to the recruitment of a new GP agent and how the rest of the GUS might react).
Source: Webcomic / Genocide Man
Cite this Source
React and Backfire. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/react
Backfire & React. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/react>.
React or Backfire. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/react.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backfire" and "react" have occurred on timeline