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
International health insurance, coworking spaces, reliable internet backups and timezone-spanning tools mean freedom has a price tag.
—
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
For experienced backups, especially those who have started games, methods are developed over many seasons.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Jessica Trepanier, who lives next to the warehouse, frequently sees the trucks parking in no-parking spaces, contributing to the traffic backups.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Larry Borom, Kion Smith and Daniel Brunskill will serve as the backups on the offensive line because Kendall Lamm, who was added two weeks ago, was made one of the seven inactive players.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Also, the next two years, after spending nearly $300 million in free agency this year, the Vikings will be salary cap challenged, requiring cheap backups ($840,000 rookie minimums) this year.
—Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
The Mavericks had a shutout going until midway through the fourth quarter, well after coach Sean Sovacool sent in the backups.
—Bernie Wilson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
According to MoDOT, when both lanes are fully used until the point of merge, the length of backups is reduced by 40 to 50 percent.
—Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
For experienced backups, especially those who have started games, methods are developed over many seasons.
—Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Jessica Trepanier, who lives next to the warehouse, frequently sees the trucks parking in no-parking spaces, contributing to the traffic backups.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Larry Borom, Kion Smith and Daniel Brunskill will serve as the backups on the offensive line because Kendall Lamm, who was added two weeks ago, was made one of the seven inactive players.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Also, the next two years, after spending nearly $300 million in free agency this year, the Vikings will be salary cap challenged, requiring cheap backups ($840,000 rookie minimums) this year.
—Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
The Mavericks had a shutout going until midway through the fourth quarter, well after coach Sean Sovacool sent in the backups.
—Bernie Wilson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
According to MoDOT, when both lanes are fully used until the point of merge, the length of backups is reduced by 40 to 50 percent.
—Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backups
Noun
-
As Ever’s first batch of products, which included teas, honey, jams, rosé wine, and even flower sprinkles, meanwhile, sold out in minutes.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
3 Sep. 2025
-
That period of time culminated in the group’s debut album, out later this year, that showcases We The Band’s funky R&B stylings alongside its knack for improvisational jams.—
Lyndsey Havens,
Billboard,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The most likely replacements for Tom and Banks, if both miss Thursday’s game, are Darian Kinnard at right tackle and Jordan Morgan at left guard.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
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The Protein Trend and Body Image Another issue around these types of drinks is that some young people may be using them as meal replacements.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This avoids bottlenecks that slow down conventional chips and could make the system 100 times faster and more energy-efficient at specific tasks.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Sep. 2025
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Knowledge gained from the meetings was also used to help guide investments in labs, technology, and people that removed real bottlenecks.—
Nelson P. Repenning,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Sweeteners such as honey, sugar, or sugar substitutes can be added, along with lemon or lime juice, to adjust the taste as desired.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Slot has lost one of his real impact substitutes from last season.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backups. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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