as in roads
a route that has many sharp turns for climbing a steep hill
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Recent Examples of switchbacks
Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Labor Day is almost here, but our gear editors and testers have been making the most of the dwindling summer days—pedaling dusty trails, grinding up high-alpine switchbacks, and sneaking in lakeside hangs whenever possible.
—
The Editors, Outside, 28 Aug. 2025
The road is primarily made of gravel and includes switchbacks and a speed limit of just 15 mph.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2024
The trail ascends to its high point on long switchbacks that ease the climb and maximize scenic views.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 4 Oct. 2024
Near the Tennessee state line, crews were finally starting to reach side roads after clearing the main roads winding through switchbacks, but that brought a new set of challenges.
—Jeff Amy, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
The Editors, Outside, 28 Aug. 2025
The road is primarily made of gravel and includes switchbacks and a speed limit of just 15 mph.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2024
The trail ascends to its high point on long switchbacks that ease the climb and maximize scenic views.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 4 Oct. 2024
Near the Tennessee state line, crews were finally starting to reach side roads after clearing the main roads winding through switchbacks, but that brought a new set of challenges.
—Jeff Amy, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switchbacks
Noun
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The occupiers tore down fences, carved new roads on the reserve and posted armed guards during their 41-day occupation, former Idaho Statesman reporter Rocky Barker wrote at the time.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
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Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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On highways and surface roads in the rural countryside west of Detroit, the 2025 Ford Explorer was smooth and quiet, with plenty of power for highway acceleration.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Fairgoers can take advantage of Valley Regional Transit, which will shuttle people from any VRT stop to 13th and Ridenbaugh streets (about two blocks from the fair) — and back afterward.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
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Protesters also took to the streets in other municipalities, including Damak, Birtamod, Itahari, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Bharatpur, Pokhara, Birgunj, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Tulsipur, and Dhangadhi, according to the Kathmandu Post.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The latter riffs mythopoetically on the region’s aerospace industry, and the former features an anthropology of our freeways any native Angeleno could get behind.—
John Lopez,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Sep. 2025
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The issue also clogged Bay Area freeways, where bumper-to-bumper traffic jammed up Interstates 80, 880 and 580 and Highways 13 and 24 more than usual for a Friday.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Both rows provide generous space for adults, and cargo space ranges from 26 cubic feet to 60 with the seats folded flat.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Table with 2 columns and 7 rows.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The main thoroughfares, Bridge Street and Castlebar Street, are lined with homegrown shops, cafés, and pubs situated in historic buildings.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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For drivers, it is recommended to be incredibly cautious and perhaps being in the passenger seat is more fitting for this one, but rolling down main thoroughfares will show different angles of the city.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Glória Funicular route is short but steep, beginning at the Praça dos Restauradores station in Baixa, right beside Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon's grand boulevards.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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Sofia rests on ancient Roman ruins—its skyline pierced by golden Orthodox domes, leafy parks, and boulevards humming with espresso cafés and bookstalls.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Switchbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switchbacks. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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