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.
Nike’s previous leadership had leaned too heavily on popular lifestyle sneakers, such as Dunks, a strategy that backfired when those basketball silhouettes lost heat in favor of the running-shoe aesthetic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Some might look at the Platner implosion and realize that treating each one of his bad decisions, harmful actions, and personal failures as an upside for his relatability backfired spectacularly.
From Slate ● Jul. 8, 2026
Michelle Gross, the president of the Minneapolis-based Citizens United Against Police Brutality, told Salon in an interview that, based on her observations, this move from the administration has already backfired.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026
The move backfired on Nexstar as a federal judge in Northern California issued a preliminary injunction, ordering Nexstar to halt the Tegna consolidation.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026
The car backfired several times without ignition because it was overheated.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
