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
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Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Oct. 2025
-
In this way, thousands of bears coexist in a mosaic of forests, mountains, highways, farms, cities, and residential complexes.—
Ganesh Marín,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Initially intended for the streets, the class has evolved to include off-road models in recent years, such as the best-selling Ford F-150 Raptor.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
7 Oct. 2025
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The new streets’ names not only reflected the joy of liberation but also celebrated living in dignity, equality, and without fear—names invoking hope, humanity, and freedom.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
All that new housing, those high-speed train lines, the new terminals in all major cities, the freeways, and the power lines were cleared by government decree using China’s version of eminent domain.—
Peter Leyden,
Big Think,
7 Oct. 2025
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Weekend travelers, beware of improvement projects scheduled along Phoenix-area freeways in addition to the Arizona Cardinals football matchup against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Tarpaulins were placed over the front three rows of seats in the lower bowl in an attempt to stop spectators from getting onto the pitch.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
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But at the end of the third quarter, a brawl between fans erupted two rows behind him and one of those fans was pushed into his lap.—
Ed Lavandera,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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How to Get There Visitors arriving by car will find the village conveniently located near major thoroughfares such as I-287 and the Saw Mill River Parkway.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
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Taylor Swift recounts driving on Nashville thoroughfares during her high school days with a good friend.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
High above one of Manhattan‘s most famous (and most affluent) boulevards, an expansive, full-floor condo is ready to welcome a new owner.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Oct. 2025
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Soviet-era apartment blocks line leafy boulevards and glass towers cluster in the financial district.—
Nina Subkhanberdina,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Switchbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switchbacks. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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