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)
PC Magazine, 28 July 2025
If Wilson were to struggle or go down, while the Giants are still playing well, Winston would be the logical backup.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Simmons would give the Kings a capable backup for point guard Dennis Schroder, who recently came to Sacramento in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025
Lucas implores Skepta to call up fellow U.K. rappers such as Dave and Central Cee for backup, and goes on to mock his friendship with Drake.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Adjective
One fancy pair is great, but having an affordable backup is just smart.
—PC Magazine, 28 July 2025
If Wilson were to struggle or go down, while the Giants are still playing well, Winston would be the logical backup.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Simmons would give the Kings a capable backup for point guard Dennis Schroder, who recently came to Sacramento in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025
Lucas implores Skepta to call up fellow U.K. rappers such as Dave and Central Cee for backup, and goes on to mock his friendship with Drake.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 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
-
An apparent late replacement for rapper Travis Scott, country music artist Jelly Roll is clearly working very hard to ensure his pairing with Randy Orton and feud with Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul goes as well as possible.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
There was a 17-minute delay in the first half of Shrewsbury Town’s fixture against Bromley as a replacement for Scott Chaulkley was found.—
Jessica Hopkins,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Between Clark missing quite a bit of time due to two separate injury issues and the team simply not gelling well together, the 2025 WNBA season has been a rollercoaster so far.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
Playing in the Club World Cup means Chelsea will not get a proper pre-season, so gelling the squad as early as possible is particularly important this year.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Vought left the meeting saying there would be a substitute amendment that would eliminate $400 million in cuts to an AIDS prevention program, one of the main concerns of Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.—
July 16,
CBS News,
16 July 2025
-
The collard greens were a substitute food for that day and not posted on the day’s menu, according to health department documents.—
Julia Ainsley,
NBC news,
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
-
Leadership bottlenecks formed in Q3 often harden in Q4, meaning your 2026 initiatives start behind schedule before the year even begins.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
The dynamic the two built wasn’t born in the writers’ room—it was built between takes, crafted in eye contact, shaped by mutual trust, and hardened under the pressures of being Black artists asked to do twice as much for half the credit.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Nail varnish that was black and green on alternate fingers.—
Kate Weinberg
July 30,
Literary Hub,
30 July 2025
-
The 33-page draft plan appears to detail alternate facilities that could be used in an evacuation, procedures for detainee transportation and other measures that would be enacted in the event of a powerful storm or other emergency.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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