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)
Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
Furphy is a 6-9 guard whom the Pacers kept out of the G League.
2025 draft picks: 54th
Draft need: Myles Turner is a free agent, and Indiana spent the entire season trying to account for Achilles tendon injuries to backups James Wiseman (since traded) and Isaiah Jackson.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 22 June 2025
If Richardson isn’t available, the Colts may consider adding another veteran QB, especially with rookie Riley Leonard serving as the team’s backup.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Many startups are exploring ways to combine energy harvesting with battery backup to enhance tracking and monitoring capabilities throughout supply chain operations.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC news, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Adjective
While abroad, stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and always have an emergency backup plan.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
Furphy is a 6-9 guard whom the Pacers kept out of the G League.
2025 draft picks: 54th
Draft need: Myles Turner is a free agent, and Indiana spent the entire season trying to account for Achilles tendon injuries to backups James Wiseman (since traded) and Isaiah Jackson.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 22 June 2025
If Richardson isn’t available, the Colts may consider adding another veteran QB, especially with rookie Riley Leonard serving as the team’s backup.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Many startups are exploring ways to combine energy harvesting with battery backup to enhance tracking and monitoring capabilities throughout supply chain operations.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC news, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Noun
-
For now, Meghan seems to have her eyes on launching jam.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2025
-
Products in As ever’s first ever drop included flower sprinkles, cookies, jam and more.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Kepler’s in-house replacement would be Justin Crawford, the 21-year-old outfield prospect who is slashing .332/.408/.435 with 26 steals at Triple A.—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Even before releasing Tucker, the Ravens drafted his possible replacement in April, selecting Tyler Loop out of Arizona in the sixth round.—
Brian Wacker,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Neither guy is particularly gelling with their mixed partners either (Schneemann & Parker), which has left them mid-table.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
And if the perception in the media starts to gel that Trump is being taken for a ride by Bibi, how does Trump then respond to appearing weak?—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
There is no substitute for these resources – not from philanthropy, industry or states.—
Shalin Jyotishi,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
Disappointed that there was no face-to-face meeting; phone conversations are a substitute.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
The system was born out of a proposal by a police official early last year.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
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The Displacement Film Fund (DFF) was born out of a dinner conversation between Blanchett and Fast Retailing senior executive officer Koji Yanai back in 2023.—
Kelly Wetherille,
Footwear News,
20 June 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
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Tehran's rejection shows that U.S. pressure has hardened its stance, narrowing oversight after damage to its nuclear sites and suspended inspections.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
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Many had been taught to feel shame in Native culture and language at Indian boarding schools; others had been hardened by prison stints or by the harsh realities of urban poverty.—
Nick Estes,
New Yorker,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
In an alternate timeline, billionaire and investor Mark Cuban could have been Kamala Harris‘ vice presidential pick.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
22 June 2025
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But the Suns were going to get something for Durant, so the alternate history isn’t necessarily much different.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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