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
Cloud cover limited the helicopter to a lower drop point near 50/50 Flat, above the switchbacks, forcing rescuers to climb on foot to reach the injured woman.
—
James Ward,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
From there, the itinerary continues toward Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most famous mountain roads, known for its steep switchbacks and waterfalls.
—
Emese MacZko,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Waymos are designed to take the fastest route, and eight switchbacks with tourists driving down in awe of San Francisco at 5mph will never be that.
—
Rakesh Agrawal,
PC Magazine,
28 June 2026
This two-lane highway runs parallel to the Rio Grande and is filled with mountain views, steep inclines, and dramatic switchbacks.
—
Gabi De La Rosa,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Drivers needed a super-thin sole to feel the pedals, a rounded heel to pivot smoothly around sharp European switchbacks, and a tight suede fit.
—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 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
James Ward,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
From there, the itinerary continues toward Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most famous mountain roads, known for its steep switchbacks and waterfalls.
—
Emese MacZko,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Waymos are designed to take the fastest route, and eight switchbacks with tourists driving down in awe of San Francisco at 5mph will never be that.
—
Rakesh Agrawal,
PC Magazine,
28 June 2026
This two-lane highway runs parallel to the Rio Grande and is filled with mountain views, steep inclines, and dramatic switchbacks.
—
Gabi De La Rosa,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Drivers needed a super-thin sole to feel the pedals, a rounded heel to pivot smoothly around sharp European switchbacks, and a tight suede fit.
—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switchbacks
Noun
-
Rodríguez denied those claims, saying some remote areas were difficult to reach because roads were blocked by landslides and debris, forcing authorities to rely on motorcycles, drones and satellite imagery.
-
The roads can become extremely dangerous during this period because of fog, smoke, black ice and poor visibility.
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.
-
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the museum offers a patriotic lens into how the canals, highways, railroads and mines that stitched this country together were built by machines born in American factories.
Noun
-
On Tuesday, more than a million fans took to the streets to celebrate Mexico’s advancement to the World Cup’s round of 16, a feat the national team hadn’t achieved since 1986, and with each victory, the human tide grows.
-
Officers kept some witnesses at the scene for questioning and blocked off streets in the area.
Noun
-
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
-
Owings added that a traffic study was completed and there won’t be an impact on nearby roadways.
Noun
-
The state issued a strong warning urging residents to prepare for a large aftershock, and to stay off freeways if possible.
-
Another lithium-ion fire in 2024 forced authorities to close one of the major freeways leading out of the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach for a day.
Noun
-
The rows of chairs facing the stage offered virtually no shade, including reserved sections for VIPs and World War II veterans.
-
Backers say the safety impact of rows of canopies is a real issue.
Noun
-
From the dramatic California coast to the historic thoroughfares of New England, the United States is brimming with scenic drives.
-
Foot traffic has slowed to a trickle, and the restaurant’s layout — with an almost entirely open wall that looks onto one of Boyle Height’s busiest thoroughfares — isn’t helping.
Noun
-
As transportation networks expanded—first with canals and turnpikes, and later with railroads—rural isolation began to fade.
-
Both turnpikes are currently classified as state highways, said Darian Butler, OTA engineering director.
Cite this Entry
“Switchbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switchbacks. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
