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)
Danielle Bacher, People.com, 3 July 2025
Police then called in additional reinforcements to block Monument Circle from vehicle and foot traffic, and requested SWAT officers for backup.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
There's no slippage, either, in the entire ensemble, who play a heroic number of supporting characters and allow Abate to create delightful dances beyond the standard movement and gestures that traditionally belong to backups.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Most are backups or, at best, 1-B options, including Jake Allen and David Rittich.
—Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Adjective
Two nearby officers, who heard the gunshots while on an unrelated call, radioed for backup.
—Danielle Bacher, People.com, 3 July 2025
Police then called in additional reinforcements to block Monument Circle from vehicle and foot traffic, and requested SWAT officers for backup.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
There's no slippage, either, in the entire ensemble, who play a heroic number of supporting characters and allow Abate to create delightful dances beyond the standard movement and gestures that traditionally belong to backups.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Most are backups or, at best, 1-B options, including Jake Allen and David Rittich.
—Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 1 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
-
Use it as an assistant for your work, not as a replacement.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
Hershey had announced in January that Michele Buck, who had been CEO for over seven years, would retire next year and would transition to a senior advisor role once a replacement was named.—
Neil J Kanatt,
USA Today,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
While there were a large quotient of natural or simply gelled looks, others took an edgier tack.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
-
Plans gelled after the Buckeye and Bluegrass states signed their current agreement in February 2022 and then-President Joe Biden stood on the banks of the Ohio River the next January to tout the federal government’s $1.6 billion commitment to the project.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
But what really rankles is the idea that these digital interlocutors are a plausible substitute for real friends or family.—
Paul Bloom,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
The call is for more person-to-person clienteling, which can be aided by AI, yet AI is no substitute for the personal connection.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
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
-
Iran rejects tight restrictions on its nuclear program and has hardened its stance after Israel and the U.S. targeted its nuclear facilities in June.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
They’d be hardened to anything that life and work threw their way.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
7 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 22 Jul. 2025.
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