How to Use backup in a Sentence

backup

1 of 2 noun
Definition of backupnext
Synonyms for backupnext
  • His role on the team is to be a backup to the regular quarterback.
  • We have an extra radio as a backup in case this one doesn't work.
  • We have an extra radio for backup.
  • She sang backup on his CD.
  • He provides backup for the regular quarterback.
  • That led to a three-car crash on the bridge, and a rush-hour backup.
    — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Oct. 2023
  • In the event, Carey wouldn’t okay the rights, Burns had some songs as a backup.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Apr. 2023
  • The goal in this game was for Lewis to get 10 to 15 snaps as the backup to Daron Bland.
    — Kristi Scales, Dallas News, 18 Sep. 2023
  • As the Bengals ran out the clock with the backups in the game, the starters sat on the bench with stone faces.
    — Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2024
  • Sam Ehlinger will start in his place with Matt Ryan as the backup.
    — Nate Atkins, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Jan. 2023
  • This opened the door for Moore to serve as the backup for Mahomes and make two starts.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The Bears still will use the game in Canton, Ohio, to get some work in for their backups.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2024
  • The fees meant for the recycling fund serve like a backup.
    — The Arizona Republic, 3 May 2023
  • If he isn’t cleared, the Rams will turn to backup John Wolford.
    — Jaylon Thompson, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2022
  • Melvin was in the dugout, soaking it all up as the backup to Bob Brenly.
    — Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
  • At what point do the Broncos start shuttling in the backups?
    — Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 5 Jan. 2025
  • The next man up would be Ryan Hyde, a selfless backup from Berlin.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2024
  • Malik Davis is the backup and has value among the coaches and scouts at The Star.
    — Calvin Watkins, Dallas News, 24 Apr. 2023
  • In his first year, Tagovailoa served as the backup for the first six games.
    — Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 10 Dec. 2022
  • Deputies went to the home and locked it down until backup could arrive.
    — Carol Robinson | [email protected], al, 29 June 2023
  • Just get one for yourself, keep one as a backup, and gift one to your best friend.
    — Tom Warren, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2023
  • There were questions asked about whether the Gamecocks might want to test out the backup.
    — Jeffrey Collins, ajc, 20 Nov. 2022
  • Have three sharp questions ready to fire, plus a backup.
    — Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 9 Dec. 2022
  • The male officer chased him and was soon joined by some backup.
    — Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023
  • The backup of cargo ships off the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach has been cleared.
    — Paul Wiseman, ajc, 10 Nov. 2022
  • Bartees Strange and Clairo also sing backup on the track.
    — Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 15 Nov. 2023
  • In the market for a new pair of Bluetooth earbuds (or just need a backup)?
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 July 2023
  • Jordan Love, the 2020 first-round pick from Utah State, has been Rodgers' backup for the last three seasons.
    — Steve Megargee, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Jan. 2023
  • But the backup from the crash and the holiday weekend traffic slowed them down.
    — Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024
  • Can the backups on the offensive line protect Mac Jones?
    — Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023
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back up

2 of 2 verb
  • The 39-yard touchdown pass put the Vikings back up three points.
    — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Gillis was on the floor for a moment but got right back up.
    — Evan Frank, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Jan. 2024
  • The tourist stays prone on the ground, brings his smart phone back up to his face, and the short clip cuts out.
    — Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 25 Oct. 2023
  • This is a strong knife, with plenty of steel to back up each chop and cut.
    — Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024
  • That will back up rivers, preventing drainage to the sea.
    — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 22 Sep. 2023
  • About a year later, one day the seat went down but wouldn’t raise back up.
    — Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024
  • Once your forehead is close to the surface, push back up.
    — Madeline Howard, Women's Health, 2 Apr. 2023
  • Once the probe has had a chance to gather some good eDNA, it's winched back up to the drone.
    — Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2024
  • Now, there's a new report that can help back up that claim.
    — Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 23 Sep. 2022
  • With Tellez back up, Cora went to lefty Richard Bleier.
    — Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Apr. 2023
  • The Mac might ask you to open up Time Machine to back up your data.
    — Kyle Barr / Gizmodo, Quartz, 29 Mar. 2024
  • Rise back up to start, squeezing glutes at the top, and bringing arms to sides.
    — Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 9 Aug. 2023
  • Brush them with barbecue sauce and turn the grill back up to high.
    — Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 24 July 2023
  • The lanes were closed for around two hours, backing up traffic.
    — Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 24 Mar. 2023
  • Push it down the full length of the rod and pull it back up, repeatedly.
    — Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 15 Dec. 2022
  • At least Hadid had the riding chops to back up the outfit.
    — Sam Reed, Glamour, 13 Sep. 2024
  • The park closed its West Rim Trail and opened it back up later Friday.
    — Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2024
  • The fire department had already been there, but the fire had flared back up.
    — Carolyn Kormann, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
  • Wilks will call the defense, while Darnold will back up Purdy.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 Feb. 2024
  • Get your grades back up: Subscribers can take a peek at the answer key.
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2024
  • And having stool back up in your colon can lead to gas and bloating, says Dr. Rao.
    — Marygrace Taylor, SELF, 2 May 2024
  • But Thomas’ birdie on the eighth put the lead right back up to three with four to play in the 12-hole exhibition.
    — Mark Inabinett | [email protected], al, 10 Dec. 2022
  • Her dad then backed up the car and police said Cahoon jumped onto the hood and tried to open the girl’s door.
    — Helena Wegner, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2024
  • This doesn't just mean being able to back up your facts and figures.
    — Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 11 Nov. 2022
  • For next weekend, chances of showers jump back up to a 20-30% chance.
    — Ellie Willard, The Arizona Republic, 23 July 2023
  • That would be the way to really step it back up and just see what 2025 can bring behind the wheel.
    — Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Lately, this adapter tends to discount to $47 for a week each month but then jumps back up to $55.
    — Simon Hill, WIRED, 11 July 2023
  • The simplest way is to back up your data to your Google account.
    — WIRED, 22 Oct. 2022
  • Cast your votes in our polls below, then drop a comment to back up your picks!
    — Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Booting it back up, this cute retro square gadget still wins on aesthetics.
    — Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backup.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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