1
as in jams
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 replacements
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backups
In a nice touch, all reseller plans use NVMe storage, LiteSpeed web servers, 30-day backups, free SSL certificates for all clients, malware scanning and removal, and firewalls for enhanced security.
—
Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 8 Mar. 2026
Derick Hall and Boye Mafe were their backups.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Ongoing work has reshuffled some familiar crossings and detours near downtown, contributing to frequent backups.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
Sometimes the backups last 45 minutes or more, according to the project website.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Utilities that plan for future growth and build extra backups into their systems are much better at handling sudden hits – such as heat waves, equipment failures or massive surges in power use.
—Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Mesquite An accident on I-635 and Town Centre Drive also caused major backups throughout the Mesquite and Sunnyvale area.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Claims that fall outside existing program parameters, including basement backups produced by dry-weather events, may be submitted to the City Law Department for review through the standard claims process, and each claim will be evaluated on its individual merits.
—Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
The team will release quarterback Kirk Cousins on March 11, the start of the new NFL business year, and backups Easton Stick and Emory Jones are set to be free agents.
—Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 8 Mar. 2026
Derick Hall and Boye Mafe were their backups.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Ongoing work has reshuffled some familiar crossings and detours near downtown, contributing to frequent backups.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
Sometimes the backups last 45 minutes or more, according to the project website.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Utilities that plan for future growth and build extra backups into their systems are much better at handling sudden hits – such as heat waves, equipment failures or massive surges in power use.
—Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Mesquite An accident on I-635 and Town Centre Drive also caused major backups throughout the Mesquite and Sunnyvale area.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Claims that fall outside existing program parameters, including basement backups produced by dry-weather events, may be submitted to the City Law Department for review through the standard claims process, and each claim will be evaluated on its individual merits.
—Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
The team will release quarterback Kirk Cousins on March 11, the start of the new NFL business year, and backups Easton Stick and Emory Jones are set to be free agents.
—Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backups
Noun
-
The brand, which sells jams and other products, will continue without Netflix.—
Ellie Austin,
Fortune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Fill them with your favorite fresh spring jams or preserves, like strawberry or rhubarb.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Their replacements should come via the draft, or Mafe and Ebiktie in Chaisson's case.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In a philosophical shift away from high school recruits and toward the portal, the Longhorns signed transfers in Memphis kicker Gianni Spetic, Florida State punter Mac Chiumento and New Mexico long snapper Trey DuBuc as the replacements.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But gas prices and oil have spiked since the war began in Iran, with vessel bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz causing the surge.—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
8 Mar. 2026
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That speed is critical for AI systems, which must move enormous amounts of data without bottlenecks.—
Ian King,
Bloomberg,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The restrictions spurred Chinese chipmakers and tech giants to double down on local manufacturing investments, with companies like Huawei developing AI processors as partial substitutes for Nvidia’s top-end chips.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
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Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering what’s changing in how fashion is made, scaled or engineered from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backups. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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