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Showing results for misfire. Search instead for misfiri.
Definitions

misfire

[mis-fiuhr, mis-fahyuhr] / mɪsˈfɪər, ˈmɪsˌfaɪər /
VERB
fail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
backfire fall flat fizzle flop
STRONG
abort blunder explode flounder miscarry miss slip
WEAK
break down come to nothing fall short fizz out fizzle out go up in smoke go wrong peter out poop out
Antonyms
STRONG
correct do well succeed

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.

In some cases the monitors that measure sewage spills can misfire but if the regulator does find these incidents occurred it will take enforcement action, it said.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

There is no other known evidence to support the misfire claim.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

It's thought pain receptors in the blood vessels and nerve tissue around the brain misfire - sending incorrect signals that something is wrong.

From BBC • May 31, 2025

“The Marvels” was a misfire, and movies including “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” appeared to signal a drop-off in quality.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2025

Anyone who knows anything about firearms will tell you that a 9mm handgun cannot misfire in the way that gun did.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.