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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of back (up)
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
She’s jointly credited on 1971’s Ram, and performed as a keyboardist and backup singer in his post-Beatles band Wings.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2025
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Three consecutive weeks getting blown out, throwing picks, failing to move the ball or even see the proper reads on every play sent the backup too deep into his own head.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Verb
Based off Stefanski’s answer, Zappe could also be considered for the backup role.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
She’s jointly credited on 1971’s Ram, and performed as a keyboardist and backup singer in his post-Beatles band Wings.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Things get complicated when Shay recruits the neighborhood creep for backup and Yaki brings in an ex-cop to smoke out his blackmailer.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Three consecutive weeks getting blown out, throwing picks, failing to move the ball or even see the proper reads on every play sent the backup too deep into his own head.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Noun
-
Jacob Misiorowski provided four innings of one-run ball for Milwaukee, and his fellow rookie, Chad Patrick, pitched the club out of a massive jam to keep Milwaukee ahead in the sixth.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Grandmothers elevate something as simple as toast and jam to high status.—
Anne Byrn,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Even where bans are in place, the chemicals produced as replacements can be just as harmful, if not more so, Trasande said.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
7 Oct. 2025
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The news comes in the wake of the departure of Paramount’s global marketing and distribution boss Marc Weinstock and the imminent arrival of his replacement, former Warner Bros and Universal marketing czar Josh Goldstine.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Following an off-season of tragedy and change, with seven incomings and as many outgoings (two on loan), their 2025-26 squad is still gelling.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The offensive line, meanwhile, hasn’t fully gelled after a makeover following the Super Bowl blowout at the hands of the Eagles.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy dealing with injury issues, the Chiefs' offense has been forced to deploy a makeshift WR depth chart in their 3-3 start.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Completely nude and covered in suds, Jeff makes a run for his secret hideaway in the store, clumsily vaulting himself over a toy rack and makeshift wall to do so.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There are no substitutes named, nor a coach.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
-
This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business.—
Lara Abrash,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Christian conservative parental rights groups born out of the COVID-19 pandemic argue that too many books have age-inappropriate content.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The Spaghetti sound was born out of a fusion of the two cultures.—
Ivan Kashinsky,
NPR,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Researchers tasted the first trials of ant yogurt, where the milk had begun to coagulate and acidify, which are signs of early yogurt fermentation.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
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Tofu is more minimally processed and made from unfermented, coagulated soy milk.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The proxy statement also noted the company’s annual shareholder meeting would be held November 14.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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Our Top Programming Languages interactive tries to tackle the problem of estimating a language’s popularity by looking for proxy signals.—
Stephen Cass,
IEEE Spectrum,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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