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.

Other analysts said China’s growing aggressiveness over Taiwan was backfiring by making more countries take notice.

From New York Times • Sep. 14, 2023

Its CEO apologized to the employees for controversy surrounding popular podcaster Joe Rogan and faced questions about whether the company’s heavy foray into podcasting was backfiring.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2022

One witness told investigators the engine sounded like it was backfiring.

From Washington Times • May 1, 2017

But Mangcu reckoned that the historylessness that black parents believed would be a blessing for their offspring was backfiring.

From The Guardian • Nov. 18, 2015

She was backfiring her protests but presently settled down to her accustomed smoothness.

From David Lannarck, Midget An Adventure Story by Harney, George S.