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 packs with smart compartments that make organization effortless, weather‑resistant builds that withstand unpredictable conditions, and lightweight designs that won’t slow you down on steep switchbacks.
—
Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
The climb winds through cedar forest and switchbacks into remote Berber villages where the architecture grows out of the rock and days are timed to the sheep and the seasons.
—Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
Hundreds of people trudged up the steep switchbacks in single file.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Those who reach the top return via the Barr Trail’s switchbacks.
—Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
Given the highly turbulent nature of the solar atmosphere, researchers are now examining whether similar variations in type III burst drift rates could be driven by magnetic irregularities, including switchbacks or broader field deflections.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Mann’s allegation of a 2013 rape in a Manhattan hotel is again up for consideration because of a series of legal switchbacks.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
There are a few switchbacks with sporadic wooden steps to help in your ascent.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Layers of different rock merge, sometimes sharply, as switchbacks cut through a sequence of geological history.
—Rebecca 'becca' Dyer, AZCentral.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
The climb winds through cedar forest and switchbacks into remote Berber villages where the architecture grows out of the rock and days are timed to the sheep and the seasons.
—Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
Hundreds of people trudged up the steep switchbacks in single file.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Those who reach the top return via the Barr Trail’s switchbacks.
—Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
Given the highly turbulent nature of the solar atmosphere, researchers are now examining whether similar variations in type III burst drift rates could be driven by magnetic irregularities, including switchbacks or broader field deflections.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Mann’s allegation of a 2013 rape in a Manhattan hotel is again up for consideration because of a series of legal switchbacks.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
There are a few switchbacks with sporadic wooden steps to help in your ascent.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Layers of different rock merge, sometimes sharply, as switchbacks cut through a sequence of geological history.
—Rebecca 'becca' Dyer, AZCentral.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switchbacks
Noun
-
There was no estimated time for when the cleanup would be completed and the roads would reopen.—
Elyssa Kaufman,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
-
Though Lake Austin runs about 20 miles, true private waterfront is limited by geography, existing ownership, public parkland, older roads, steep banks and protected coves.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Securing critical infrastructure such as seaports, airports and major highways currently controlled by armed groups, including routes connected to the neighboring Dominican Republic, will be crucial.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
25 May 2026
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Paul Anthony Kelly is spotted on the streets of New York City on May 26 rocking a boat-neck navy sweater, black glasses and a big smile.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
-
Fast forward to the second half of the 20th century, when Capri enjoyed another boom during the golden age of la dolce vita, when Italian and international celebrities flocked to the island's winding streets.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2026
-
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Our urban centers have run out of capacity for significantly expanding our airports and freeways.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
-
Pollution from the Port of Oakland and nearby freeways has long been a social equity issue for some residents – and now, there is a push for another freeway, Interstate 580, to shoulder some of that burden.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Growing parsley between the asparagus rows makes smart use of empty garden space and boosts the productivity of the garden.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 May 2026
-
Hulst, lined up in the second of two rows at the start, just over Serna’s right shoulder, got boxed in when the gun went off.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Where To See Manhattanhenge The best views are from Manhattan’s broad east-west thoroughfares with unobstructed views toward New Jersey across the Hudson River.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
The viral Sopranos meme imagines Italian fans leaving behind the Amalfi Coast for six-lane thoroughfares with no sidewalks.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
As transportation networks expanded—first with canals and turnpikes, and later with railroads—rural isolation began to fade.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
-
Both turnpikes are currently classified as state highways, said Darian Butler, OTA engineering director.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoma Voice,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Switchbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switchbacks. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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