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)
Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
There was no backup plan for Shane Boose.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Joe Alt moved into Slater’s spot as Herbert’s blind-side protector from right tackle and Trey Pipkins III shifted from a backup’s role into Alt’s spot.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Verb
Cannon implored the crowd a few songs into the set, amid a steady pulse of production lights and backup dancers.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
There was no backup plan for Shane Boose.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Wright was active against Buffalo after missing the first two games off knee surgery, but Gordon remained De’Von Achane’s backup.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Joe Alt moved into Slater’s spot as Herbert’s blind-side protector from right tackle and Trey Pipkins III shifted from a backup’s role into Alt’s spot.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Noun
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Mama’s Boy Known for its fresh biscuits, in-house raspberry jam, and long lines, Mama’s Boy is a breakfast spot that is beloved in many ex-college students’ and locals’ hearts.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
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Puth and the band stretched out nearly every song with jams, breakdowns, and solos, with the star occasionally scatting along with his harmonically adventurous keyboard excursions.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Knowing exactly what type of fuel your car needs can either save you a substantial amount of money annually on fuel costs, or thousands of dollars in potential engine repair or replacement costs.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 Sep. 2025
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Though the outpost is due to be retired in the 2030s, NASA is seeking plans for a commercial replacement of the iconic orbital laboratory.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
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In the same way Everton remain a complicated work in progress on the pitch — still learning to gel nine new signings in a squad that boasted the lowest budget in the WSL last season — the Goodison project remains a work in progress, a symbol of an exciting but ultimately unknown future.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Ransacker would construct makeshift alarms by placing objects on doorknobs.—
Ian Berry,
CNN Money,
22 Sep. 2025
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People pay their respects to right-wing activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk at a makeshift memorial in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 20, 2025.—
John Toher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While Better Than Bouillon is a good substitute, bouillon cubes are not.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
27 Sep. 2025
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Long, who came in as a KC substitute, gave the pass to Chawinga for the reigning NWSL MVP’s 14th goal of the season.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The notion that vaccines cause autism was born out of a fraudulent 1998 study, hypothesizing that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine caused intestinal inflammation, which, in turn, led to the development of autism.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Sep. 2025
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And when his claims about a lobbyist infiltrating the summit bear out, Alex winds up breaking a story that makes news that evening.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Tofu is more minimally processed and made from unfermented, coagulated soy milk.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
16 Sep. 2025
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The basketball gods have handed us an opportunity — a chance to stir up a rivalry that has been sitting cold and coagulating on the back burner for far too long.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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On another timeline, today’s comments by Eisner are a long way from just a year ago when the ex-exec publicly backed Iger and Disney leaders in their proxy war with activist investors.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
19 Sep. 2025
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One of the proxy advisers in Broadridge’s sights could also choose to avoid advising shareholders how to vote in corporate elections.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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