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
The computers have backups, but the backups are also aging.
—
Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 9 May 2026
On the blocks surrounding 71st Street, major backups have become common during rush hour.
—Aaron Leibowitz
may 8, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
Brake-by-wire technology has existed in limited forms before, mainly as hybrid systems that still relied on hydraulic backups.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
One person was killed in a crash that resulted in major traffic backups on Interstate 80 in Davis on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
—Richard Ramos, CBS News, 7 May 2026
Relying on satellite links to transmit data between the nodes and customers means dealing with limited bandwidth and signal delays—there is a reason data centers still use fiber-optic cables to transmit large amounts of data quickly while reserving satellite links as backups.
—Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2026
Most of the other players from those two draft classes either aren’t on the team anymore or are fringe backups who haven’t been cut yet to improve the GM’s optics.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Many states require boat inspections and decontaminations, but that can lead to local backups and delays during busy summer boating seasons.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 May 2026
The free-agent signings of Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean form a strong tandem, but none of their current backups saw much playing time in 2025.
—Sam Warren, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 9 May 2026
On the blocks surrounding 71st Street, major backups have become common during rush hour.
—Aaron Leibowitz
may 8, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
Brake-by-wire technology has existed in limited forms before, mainly as hybrid systems that still relied on hydraulic backups.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
One person was killed in a crash that resulted in major traffic backups on Interstate 80 in Davis on Thursday afternoon, officials said.
—Richard Ramos, CBS News, 7 May 2026
Relying on satellite links to transmit data between the nodes and customers means dealing with limited bandwidth and signal delays—there is a reason data centers still use fiber-optic cables to transmit large amounts of data quickly while reserving satellite links as backups.
—Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2026
Most of the other players from those two draft classes either aren’t on the team anymore or are fringe backups who haven’t been cut yet to improve the GM’s optics.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Many states require boat inspections and decontaminations, but that can lead to local backups and delays during busy summer boating seasons.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 May 2026
The free-agent signings of Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean form a strong tandem, but none of their current backups saw much playing time in 2025.
—Sam Warren, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backups
Noun
-
Their tart stalks are staples in sweet dishes, such as pies, jams, and crumbles, but can also be used in savory dishes and even beverages.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
9 May 2026
-
Mulberries are a delicious ingredient in teas, jams, wines, and more around the world.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
That means if an appliance or system wasn’t working properly before your coverage started, repairs or replacements won’t be covered.—
Jamela Adam,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
-
For most units, that means regular filter replacements, cleaning (of the unit and ducts), and quarterly professional maintenance.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
On the positive side, the residential model reduces land and infrastructure requirements that are becoming serious bottlenecks, distributes compute closer to end users, and creates a natural incentive for homeowners through energy savings, said Tammabattula.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
9 May 2026
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The Biden-era legislation was enacted after various American businesses had complaints over being bypassed for service by carriers, or being charged excessive late fees throughout the heavy supply chain bottlenecks throughout 2021 and 2022.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Other Miami substitutes included Mateo Silvetti, Rocco Rios-Novo, David Ruiz, Daniel Pinter, Preston Plambeck, and Alex Shaw.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2026
-
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,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backups. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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