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)
Michael Wayland, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
In terms of scale, this means that NFPA 855 covers systems as small as a those capable of powering an average American home for one day, all the way up to the largest systems that can provide backup power for entire towns.
—Erin Smith, Boston Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
So instead of getting out your sad, chipped mixing bowls as your backup serving pieces, grab a three-piece set of these Trudeau porcelain serving bowls.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Verb
The leasing will begin with GM all-electric vehicles owners and later roll out to other homeowners interested in backup power and solar integration, the company said.
—Michael Wayland, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
In terms of scale, this means that NFPA 855 covers systems as small as a those capable of powering an average American home for one day, all the way up to the largest systems that can provide backup power for entire towns.
—Erin Smith, Boston Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
This means that the Panthers will prepare as if veteran backup Andy Dalton will be the starter.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
So instead of getting out your sad, chipped mixing bowls as your backup serving pieces, grab a three-piece set of these Trudeau porcelain serving bowls.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Noun
-
The long jam in ‘Fruit Bat’ came out of an idea from our drummer, who writes a lot of the music.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
-
And yet, the same could be said whenever the trio is on a bill at a jam-band show, jazz night, or some blues club.—
Garret K. Woodward,
Rolling Stone,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The event had been scheduled as a replacement for the 2026 All-Star Weekend, which had previously been awarded to the New York Islanders.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
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Given last year's halftime show drawing over 127 million viewers, Bad Bunny may not need to lose sleep over 50,000 signees calling for his replacement.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Final thoughts Despite the late start, the new cast members gelled nicely with Carpenter tonight!—
Andy Hoglund,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
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The stage is set, against a Broncos defense and pass-rush that’s gelling perfectly just six weeks in.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Because many designs in the 1970s focused on open-concept designs, noise in the previous building could be distracting for classes, and teachers had made makeshift walls using bookshelves in an attempt to keep noise out, Bookhout said.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Young, though, was only hit twice in the first quarter, which was a credit to the makeshift offensive line group.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In Normal, Odenkirk plays an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who, after moving to a small, sleepy town, responds to a bank robbery and unknowingly uncovers something far more explosive.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
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Do not take this as a substitute for sitting down with someone in a white coat to tell you what’s what.—
Quispe López,
Them.,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Ironically, perhaps, the group was born out of Gene Simmons’ band.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Afterall, both Homelander and Marie were born out of the same lab experiment, Project Odessa.—
Demetrius Patterson,
HollywoodReporter,
23 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 deal has received criticism with key proxy advisor Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommending on Monday that shareholders vote against the acquisition.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
21 Oct. 2025
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When reached for comment, representatives from Glass Lewis and ISS directed Fortune to their respective proxy papers on Tesla.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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