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
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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
1
as in to testify (to)
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in makeshift
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of back (up)
PC Magazine, 14 July 2025
For this exercise, one player is listed as the backup at each position.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
When healthy, Spector spent the entire 2024 season as Bernard’s primary backup, though a couple of issues continued to pop up.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Most majors have a video review system as a backup to any close calls.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Adjective
With additional features like data-broker opt-out, webcam protection, and online backup, Norton 360 Deluxe offers a complete package for users looking to safeguard their digital lives across multiple devices.
—PC Magazine, 14 July 2025
For this exercise, one player is listed as the backup at each position.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
When healthy, Spector spent the entire 2024 season as Bernard’s primary backup, though a couple of issues continued to pop up.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Most majors have a video review system as a backup to any close calls.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Noun
-
Meanwhile, across the street, The Hitch General Store delights visitors with nostalgic treats such as Goo Goo Clusters, Moon Pies, jams, honey, and classic bottled sodas.—
Korrin Bishop,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
-
Meghan Markle's As Ever online shop has now sold out in minutes on three occasions, leaving fans scrambling to get hold of her products, from jam to rosé wine.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The Rays have potential replacements in Joe Boyle and rehabbing ace Shane McClanahan.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 July 2025
-
The federal government has abruptly cut grants to many researchers, including several at San Jose State University, leaving them with incomplete projects and struggling to find replacement funding.—
Naomi Kotani,
Mercury News,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
Between Clark missing quite a bit of time due to two separate injury issues and the team simply not gelling well together, the 2025 WNBA season has been a rollercoaster so far.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
Playing in the Club World Cup means Chelsea will not get a proper pre-season, so gelling the squad as early as possible is particularly important this year.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Vought left the meeting saying there would be a substitute amendment that would eliminate $400 million in cuts to an AIDS prevention program, one of the main concerns of Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.—
July 16,
CBS News,
16 July 2025
-
The collard greens were a substitute food for that day and not posted on the day’s menu, according to health department documents.—
Julia Ainsley,
NBC news,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Foreign Flavor The number of international All-Stars is growing, with 365 born out of the United States.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Ironic from a country born out of revolting against taxation without representation.—
Jose Antonio Vargas,
Time,
4 July 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
Verb
-
That those brilliant turquoise waves had flattened and hardened into muted whites and grays.—
Laura Poppick
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
-
Bottom line Gel polishes are painted on, similar to regular nail polish, and require UV or LED light to harden.—
Rebecca Dancer,
Allure,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Joscelyn Roberson 2024 Olympic alternate Joscelyn Roberson also heads to Chicago fresh off an impressive NCAA gymnastics season.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Hulsizer will become the team’s alternate governor, a role held by Eduardo Margain since 2019.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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