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
However, plant at least a couple of peach seeds as backups in case germination is low.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Then one team wants to make a mockery of the final, Ganesha, by using backups.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
The Waffle House waitress said the building’s management was inattentive to a raft of deeper issues, from sewage backups that crept into her bathtub to mold and a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
Ryan O’Leary, an American former fighter who led the Chosen Company volunteer unit in Ukraine, told me Ukrainian drone units need backups such as mesh radio networks, also known as MANET systems.
—David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Traffic backups on the Sagamore Bridge go hand in hand with traveling to Cape Cod.
—Logan Hall, CBS News, 27 May 2026
The transfer portal leads to a scholarship Flowers had a QB in for spring practice, Central Connecticut State transfer Josh Jackson, and two backups returning from last season.
—Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
The question is over his backups.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Travel experts expect traffic congestion throughout the state, with the longest backups in metro Atlanta, Middle Georgia and the state’s southeast region near the coast.
—Vanessa McCray, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Then one team wants to make a mockery of the final, Ganesha, by using backups.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
The Waffle House waitress said the building’s management was inattentive to a raft of deeper issues, from sewage backups that crept into her bathtub to mold and a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
Ryan O’Leary, an American former fighter who led the Chosen Company volunteer unit in Ukraine, told me Ukrainian drone units need backups such as mesh radio networks, also known as MANET systems.
—David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Traffic backups on the Sagamore Bridge go hand in hand with traveling to Cape Cod.
—Logan Hall, CBS News, 27 May 2026
The transfer portal leads to a scholarship Flowers had a QB in for spring practice, Central Connecticut State transfer Josh Jackson, and two backups returning from last season.
—Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
The question is over his backups.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Travel experts expect traffic congestion throughout the state, with the longest backups in metro Atlanta, Middle Georgia and the state’s southeast region near the coast.
—Vanessa McCray, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backups
Noun
-
At Sony Hall, as part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival, Mdou Moctar unleashes riffy jams inspired by assouf, a fusionist Tuareg guitar music (June 7).—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
22 May 2026
-
There's nothing better than heading home from a trip with goodies, including local jams, veggies, and treats.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
But 40 years and six turf replacements later, the blue field remains one of Bleymaier’s most impactful and lasting legacies.—
Shaun Goodwin
May 25,
Idaho Statesman,
25 May 2026
-
Silicone food bags, baking mats, spatulas, baby pacifiers and collapsible water bottles are now marketed as eco-friendlier replacements for disposable plastics and aging nonstick cookware.—
Ryan Brennan
May 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Small businesses, Etsy sellers and side hustlers producing customized products often face bottlenecks in design time, particularly when handling high volumes of personalized orders.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
-
The framework proved integral during Tesla’s growth years, McNeill recalled, helping solve manufacturing bottlenecks tied to the Model X and scale the company from roughly $2 billion in revenue to $20 billion.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Ismaila Sarr said a prayer as the Palace substitutes and coaching staff rushed on to the pitch, a delighted mob.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Hart and Alvarez caution that devices should not become substitutes for engagement, emotional regulation or caregiving.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backups. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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