as in roads
a route that has many sharp turns for climbing a steep hill
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of switchbacks
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
Whether such switchbacks would make the walk to the stadium longer or shorter than the current path remains to be determined.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Enter a ravine and follow gradual switchbacks to a small mesa at the top.
—Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
The best hiking pants earn their place in our packing list the hard way—through scree scrambles, sweaty switchbacks, and the kind of bushwhacking that tests each and every seam.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2026
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
Whether such switchbacks would make the walk to the stadium longer or shorter than the current path remains to be determined.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Enter a ravine and follow gradual switchbacks to a small mesa at the top.
—Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
The best hiking pants earn their place in our packing list the hard way—through scree scrambles, sweaty switchbacks, and the kind of bushwhacking that tests each and every seam.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switchbacks
Noun
-
Extending housing to remote areas requires new roads, water systems, sewers, schools, and fire protection, all of which are costly and often opposed by local governments.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
The tech giant has also committed to investments in schools and nonprofit organizations in Richland Parish, as well as more than $300 million to help improve local infrastructure, from roads to wastewater management.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
In November 2016, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure B, a 30-year, half-cent countywide sales tax to enhance transit, highways, expressways, and active transportation (bicycles, pedestrians, and complete streets).—
Phan Khang,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
-
From scenic highways and spontaneous detours to roadside inns and vintage diners, road trips offer a certain kind of freedom and ambiance that a flight can simply never replicate.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Montreal police warned fans outside the building not to bring any pyrotechnics or fireworks, concerned about the kind of scene a Game 6 win would create in the city’s streets.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Arlo might be better off in Peter’s care than on the streets, but only just.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Oversize and overweight vehicles providing relief are also authorized to travel state roadways under special permits issued by the Georgia Department of Public Safety.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
The post cautioned drivers to be more vigilant about deer that are acting erratically – perhaps drunkenly – and may be more unpredictable around roadways.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The council also exempted from SB 79 areas that are close to a transit stop but violate the spirit of SB 79 because residents can’t walk to it easily because of barriers like canyons, freeways or a lack of sidewalks.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Our urban centers have run out of capacity for significantly expanding our airports and freeways.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The two leaders met in the cavernous Great Hall of the People beneath rows of American and Chinese flags after a welcoming ceremony that included an honor guard and schoolchildren waving banners.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
14 May 2026
-
To keep weeds at bay, spread sterile straw between rows.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
These are not the kinds of establishments that are at home on busy city thoroughfares or town squares.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
-
Thousands of marchers flooded the thoroughfares of Venice to protest the presence of Israel at the Venice Biennale, with many national pavilions shuttering in solidarity.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
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 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
