as in roads
a route that has many sharp turns for climbing a steep hill
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Recent Examples of switchbacks
There are 52 switchbacks on this trail, which was completed in 1918, with panoramic views along the way and an up-close look at the rock’s geological intricacies.
—
Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Descend its famously crooked path, flanked by cascading hydrangeas and storybook Edwardian homes—then watch cars zigzag through eight tight switchbacks while tourists crowd the sidewalks, snapping photos of its surreal descent.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
On straight paths, tracking is solid, but switchbacks and dense forests increase the risk of losing sight of the subject—or clipping a tree.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026
The lawyers said others pursuing the Grand Teton Fastest Known Time also cut out switchbacks using the Old Climber’s Trail.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Nov. 2025
Within half a mile, my longtime friend Danny Sadleir and I were pushing our bikes up the rocky switchbacks leading away from the trail’s northern terminus at the Utah border to make our way south up Buckskin Mountain toward the Kaibab Plateau.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Tour on Two Wheels Bikers can catch a thrill nearby, where almost 40 miles of switchbacks on the Upper Buffalo Mountain Bike Trail trace their way through the highest points in the Ozarks.
—Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
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
Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Descend its famously crooked path, flanked by cascading hydrangeas and storybook Edwardian homes—then watch cars zigzag through eight tight switchbacks while tourists crowd the sidewalks, snapping photos of its surreal descent.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
On straight paths, tracking is solid, but switchbacks and dense forests increase the risk of losing sight of the subject—or clipping a tree.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026
The lawyers said others pursuing the Grand Teton Fastest Known Time also cut out switchbacks using the Old Climber’s Trail.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Nov. 2025
Within half a mile, my longtime friend Danny Sadleir and I were pushing our bikes up the rocky switchbacks leading away from the trail’s northern terminus at the Utah border to make our way south up Buckskin Mountain toward the Kaibab Plateau.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Tour on Two Wheels Bikers can catch a thrill nearby, where almost 40 miles of switchbacks on the Upper Buffalo Mountain Bike Trail trace their way through the highest points in the Ozarks.
—Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
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
-
The property is hidden among a tangle of rural roads and surrounded by windmills, offering a refuge from the bustling local beach of S'Arenal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Or would there be a brass scale marking the 1849 beginning of the Gold Rush, or an antique gas pump signifying the 1956 development of interstate highways?—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Basically, look for a design that looks like as though was made for walking in the Mediterranean, but also for conquering the city streets.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
14 Feb. 2026
-
In recent years, neighborhoods ranging from Hancock Park and Lincoln Heights to Mar Vista and Pico Union have been plagued by copper wire theft that darkens the streets.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, roadways in Southern California’s mountains are expected to be inundated with snow.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The rain started early in the morning and continued well into the night, soaking busy freeways in the midst of rush hour traffic and leaving some businesses and homes flooded.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The deluge flooded various freeways and surface streets across LA County.—
Ryanne Mena,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Videos that have leaked out of Iran and were verified by NBC News show rows and rows of body bags inside and outside the facility as families try to identify their relatives.—
Babak Dehghanpisheh,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Attendees can expect shows from high-profile design houses like Coach, Sergio Hudson and Norma Kamali, their front rows now doubt packed with A-listers.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Those areas are most often clustered around major thoroughfares in the city such as Farmington Avenue, Asylum Avenue, Wethersfield Avenue, Washington Street and Broad Street.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
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The city focuses its efforts on bridges and overpasses, major thoroughfares and high-traffic corridors.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Both turnpikes are currently classified as state highways, said Darian Butler, OTA engineering director.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoma Voice,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Most of the construction happening right now is occurring on the highways, turnpikes, and interstates that get most residents through their daily commute.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Switchbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switchbacks. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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