How many points is BACKFIRE worth in Scrabble?

BACKFIRE is worth 19 Scrabble points before board bonuses.

Which dictionaries accept BACKFIRE?

BACKFIRE is valid in NWL2023 (US) and valid in CSW24 (International).

In CSW24 (International), adding one letter at the front or back makes BACKFIRED, BACKFIRES. Board placement and cross-words must also be legal.

Scrabble

Scrabble Dictionary

19 pts

BACKFIRE is a valid Scrabble word in CSW24 (International). It scores 19 points. BACKFIRE means "(of a plan) fail to have the desired effect".

/bækˈfaɪə(ɹ)/

A small, controlled fire set in the path of a larger uncontrolled fire, in order to limit the spread of the large fire by removing its fuel.
An explosion produced either by a running internal combustion engine that occurs in the air intake or exhaust system rather than inside the combustion chamber or unburned fuel or hydrocarbons ignited somewhere in the exhaust system.

A premature explosion in the cylinder of a gas or oil engine during the exhaust or the compression stroke, tending to drive the piston in the wrong direction.
An explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine.

Synonyms: knock, ping

(of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.
(of an engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound.
To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
Example: His attempt to make money by importing luxury cars backfired horribly when fuel prices tripled.

Definitions and examples via Free Dictionary API. Word-game validity is checked separately against NWL2023 and CSW24.

Text licenses: CC BY-SA 3.0

Loading examples and pronunciation…

verb

Valid CSW (UK) Scrabble Word

(of a plan) fail to have the desired effect

In a sentence: "They backfire."

Check the Scrabble meaning of BACKFIRE. It scores 19 points.

Add one letter after BACKFIRE. Every word is valid in CSW24 (International).

Up to 12 highest-scoring shorter words using only the letters in BACKFIRE, without blank tiles.

= 19

Is BACKFIRE a Scrabble word?: BACKFIRE is a valid Scrabble word in CSW24 (International). It scores 19 points.
What does BACKFIRE mean?: (of a plan) fail to have the desired effect
How do you use BACKFIRE in a sentence?: In a sentence: "They backfire."
How many points is BACKFIRE worth in Scrabble?: BACKFIRE is worth 19 Scrabble points before board bonuses.
Which dictionaries accept BACKFIRE?: BACKFIRE is valid in NWL2023 (US) and valid in CSW24 (International).
Can you add a letter to BACKFIRE?: In CSW24 (International), adding one letter at the front or back makes BACKFIRED, BACKFIRES. Board placement and cross-words must also be legal.