1
as in to testify (to)
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in jam
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement
there was the inevitable backup of travelers trying to pass through airport security
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in replacement
a person or thing that takes the place of another
you didn't get the lead position, but you can be the backup to the chosen singer
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in makeshift
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back (up)
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 May 2025
The starters were on the right field, and the backups were on the left field.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025
Nowadays, starters get most of their work during joint practices while backups get the snaps during practices and preseason games.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
If Paul struggles the entire offense is doomed because Miami doesn’t have a quality backup on the roster.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Noun
One argument for the market’s ability to accept the backup in Treasuries so far is the way high government indebtedness contrasts with (enables?) far lower leverage in the corporate sector relative to equity values, as Bank of America illustrates here.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 May 2025
The starters were on the right field, and the backups were on the left field.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025
Nowadays, starters get most of their work during joint practices while backups get the snaps during practices and preseason games.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
If Paul struggles the entire offense is doomed because Miami doesn’t have a quality backup on the roster.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Verb
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While the action, characters, and comedy do ultimately gel by the end, viewers will likely have to wait for a season 2 to see Murderbot reach its killer potential.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
12 May 2025
-
The touring band gelled quickly, with the trio putting a new spin upon the tracks live on stage each night, releasing their debut album Live Flowers as mssv (main steam stop valve) later that year.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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But Kyle Tucker’s run-scoring single in the fifth put the Cubs ahead again, and Taillon got out of a jam in the sixth, aided by Nico Hoerner nailing a runner at the plate on a fielder’s choice grounder.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2025
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The next blues jam at The Bakery District is set for 1-6 p.m. June 15.—
Monica Hooper,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Amazon If Dad's water bottle is gross or dented, consider this replacement.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
3 June 2025
-
Super 8 is planning a full roof replacement, a new front entrance with automatic double doors and the implementation of PTAC heaters and coolers in all of the hotel’s 80 rooms, which will cost $195,000.—
Erin Yarnall,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
In its place was a spirit of unity and kindness, a solidarity born out of unspeakable tragedy.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
25 May 2025
-
This seems tantamount to carelessness, a crime more often born out of immaturity than nefariousness.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Within hours the pool would coagulate into electric-blue slush, like a gas station Slurpee.—
Alec Luhn,
Scientific American,
20 May 2025
-
That familiar lump of expectation coagulated in my stomach and throat.—
Thomas Weddle,
Outdoor Life,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.—
Jonathan Carson,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
-
The time allocated could not be a substitute for instructional time.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Remember, this isn’t about gaming the system—you’re hardening your company.—
Gabriel Labrada,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Wilders last week held a rare, formal press conference to present the government with an ultimatum for hardening the country’s asylum policy – despite the fact that the minister for asylum and migration is a member of his own party.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Race organizers partnered with the Waze smartphone app to advise commuters on alternate routes and closures for the weekend.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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The booster packs also have cards geared for collectors such as foils, full bleed art and alternate art options.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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