Backfire and Reverse

Backfire

Backfire verb - To have the reverse of the desired or expected effect.
Show all Definitions
Synonyms for Backfire

Reverse and backfire are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Reverse" instead a verb "Backfire".

Nearby Words: backfired, backfiring

Reverse

Reverse verb - To change (as an opinion) to the contrary.

Backfire and reverse are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Backfire" instead a verb "Reverse".

Mutual synonyms

Common collocations

time backfire time reverse time
world backfire world reverse world
damage backfire damage reverse damage

Both words in one sentence

  • When demonstrating the model of the car, Herbie starts it in reverse, causing it to backfire, making it look like they were robbing the bank with a machine gun.
  • Reverse Psychology Unfortunately he runs into a Reverse Psychology Backfire when he goes as far as telling Vimes to Turn in Your Badge, and Vimes almost doesn't get back into the case in time.
  • Series / Last Man Standing Reverse Psychology Backfire: In "Eve's Band", Eve's band sounds horrible so Mike and Vanessa pretend to support the band hoping they will eventually stop.
Cite this Source
Reverse and Backfire. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 01, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/reverse
Backfire & Reverse. N.p., 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/reverse>.
Reverse or Backfire. 2016. Accessed August 01, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/backfire/reverse.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "backfire" and "reverse" have occurred on timeline