1
as in to testify (to)
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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as in makeshift
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back (up)
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
The Broncos, of course, are led by second-year starter Bo Nix and signed backup Jarrett Stidham to a two-year extension this summer.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 May 2025
Ideal as a backup, travel laptop, or for kids—fast, portable, and versatile with free shipping.
—New Atlas, 7 May 2025
Joseph Woll will start for Toronto with Matt Murray as the backup.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Noun
There are also four experienced backups, including transfers Cox (New Mexico State) and McDougle (Idaho).
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
The Broncos, of course, are led by second-year starter Bo Nix and signed backup Jarrett Stidham to a two-year extension this summer.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 May 2025
Ideal as a backup, travel laptop, or for kids—fast, portable, and versatile with free shipping.
—New Atlas, 7 May 2025
Joseph Woll will start for Toronto with Matt Murray as the backup.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Verb
-
One night our fifth grade son’s slightly spastic basketball team suddenly gelled.—
Drew Ramsey,
CNBC,
14 May 2025
-
So far, however, Mantzoukas’s high energy is gelling well with the show’s competitive bent.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Creators have found dozens of ways to repurpose empty jam and jelly jars, affectionately referring to their collection of glass vessels as a jam jar army.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 May 2025
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Explore Rihanna See latest videos, charts and news This week, Rihanna unveils a summer Smurf jam, Morgan Wallen pulls back the curtain and Jin continues his solo momentum.—
Jason Lipshutz,
Billboard,
16 May 2025
Noun
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The Broncos had four veteran players in for tryouts: Quarterback Ian Book — a former Payton draft pick in New Orleans and late replacement for Desmond Ridder — fullback Jack Colletto, running back Chris Evans and tight end Cole Fotheringham.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
10 May 2025
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His replacement, Anthony Banda, failed to stem a turning tide.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2025
Verb
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Playoff narratives are born out of small sample sizes and this one isn’t any different.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
Was the boy born out of wedlock or has Saul simply snapped?—
Josh Weiss,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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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
Noun
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If used mindfully, AI can be part of a modern intimacy toolkit, if not leveraged as a substitute for human connection.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
15 May 2025
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Days after the Ways and Means Committee released a draft version of the tax bill, followed by a substitute amendment, questions began to fly.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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While the healing process can be beneficial in securing the implant in place, the scar tissue can also harden and contract around the insert, causing difficulties in regards to aesthetics — as well as pain — per the site.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
12 May 2025
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Without clear communication from management, early skepticism can harden into quiet resistance.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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People with an allergy to kiwi should look for alternate sources of vitamin C. 6.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
19 May 2025
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Along with making the tracks safer, the alternate route is intended to reduce travel times and increase passengers and cargo.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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