tailbacks

plural of tailback, British
as in jams
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement stuck in a five-mile tailback on the southbound carriageway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 tailbacks The team’s tailbacks were led by Jordan James and rookie Kaelon Black. Matt Barrows, New York Times, 29 May 2026 During last week’s practice that was opened up to the media the Dolphins offense was picked off three times, and a ton of passes were check-down passes thrown to the tailbacks and tight ends. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 At some point on Saturday, or before, look at the tailbacks most likely to be on the board after Round 2 or Round 3. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 The Broncos also will need more production from tailbacks Jaleel McLaughlin and RJ Harvey, who combined for 41 rushing yards across just 10 carries against Buffalo. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026 The 49ers didn’t have a single running back break 300 yards last season, and while the line struggled to open holes, the tailbacks couldn’t hold on to the ball. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Jan. 2026 But mostly, the Bills have allowed star tailbacks to run amok. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tailbacks
Noun
  • Heavy on grooves and jams, this album sometimes feels unfocused and indulgent.
    Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The Michigan Health and Human Services Department suggests cooking raspberries when possible, such as in pies and jams.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Be prepared for traffic snarls and multiple security checkpoints.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026
  • Drivers should brace for traffic snarls this summer when South Elgin’s State Street bridge over the Fox River is reduced to one lane for road resurfacing work.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The bottlenecks are shifting from sheer computing power to securing supply of high-bandwidth memory chips that support rapid data transfer, according to the report.
    Bloomberg, Fortune, 8 July 2026
  • This occurs when multiple ships arrive in a short window at a port, overwhelming terminal capacity and often leading to severe bottlenecks.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tailbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tailbacks. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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