as in roads
a route that has many sharp turns for climbing a steep hill
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Recent Examples of switchbacks
The suspension bridge over Matthews Creek gives you a great view of Raven Cliff Falls and stable ground to pause and rest your legs between all the switchbacks and steep climbs.
—
Stacey Lastoe, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 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
That’s because runners have frequently taken shortcuts and deviations that cut the swooping switchbacks near the peak’s base.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 12 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
Stacey Lastoe, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 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
That’s because runners have frequently taken shortcuts and deviations that cut the swooping switchbacks near the peak’s base.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 12 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
-
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
30 Sep. 2025
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Delays and occasional detours on both highways should be anticipated.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The City of Fort Lauderdale faced backlash last year over an app that allowed residents to report homeless people in their communities, along with potholes and flooded streets.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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Although some of Alekseyev’s music has been banned, millions of Russians still listen one way or another—singing it in the streets and in karaoke bars, or streaming cover versions online.—
Anna Nemtsova,
The Atlantic,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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With high traffic roadways running over many portions of the creek, having ample eyes on the area is a beneficial first step.—
Madison Beveridge,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There’s always been noise downtown Downtown Fort Worth sits at the intersection of three freeways, a train yard, and serves as both a central business district and entertainment spot.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the neighborhood is surrounded by freeways and saturated with warehouses that are home to distribution centers, cigarette manufacturing facilities and meat packaging plants.—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This wooden foot massager roller features an arched design and rows of nubs to hit different acupressure points to provide relief.—
L. Daniela Alvarez,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Generally, budget carriers may install seats with a reduced pitch to fit more rows in, while full-service airlines may have fewer rows but more legroom.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Some of Nashville's main thoroughfares were among the 10 most dangerous stretches of roads in Tennessee, a study of traffic safety data shows.—
Laura L. Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Last month, Lurie said Waymo could operate a limited passenger service on one of San Francisco’s main thoroughfares, Market Street, where such services had previously been restricted.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Soviet-era apartment blocks line leafy boulevards and glass towers cluster in the financial district.—
Nina Subkhanberdina,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
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Many landed along West and Wilkinson boulevards, once white and middle class areas that Hanchett said would become almost entirely Black and low-income by the ‘70s.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Switchbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switchbacks. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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