1
as in to testify (to)
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in jam
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement
there was the inevitable backup of travelers trying to pass through airport security
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in replacement
a person or thing that takes the place of another
you didn't get the lead position, but you can be the backup to the chosen singer
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as in makeshift
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back (up)
Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025
No team needs an elite backup more than the Sixers, and Valančiūnas would be perfect for the role.
—Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Trump suggested the plants use coal for emergency backup power.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025
This increase in data will leave companies more vulnerable to a wide-scale data breach, given that ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting backups.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for back (up) 
Noun
When Harrison repeatedly said no, citing his First Amendment rights, Judd called for backup, according to the video.
—Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025
No team needs an elite backup more than the Sixers, and Valančiūnas would be perfect for the role.
—Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Trump suggested the plants use coal for emergency backup power.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025
This increase in data will leave companies more vulnerable to a wide-scale data breach, given that ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting backups.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Verb
-
Within a few years, the Hawks gelled into a studied, tight backing band.—
Randall Roberts,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2025
-
There’s a sizable B-plot featuring Jodie Turner-Smith’s Gracie — a Bahamian woman suffering a crisis of faith regarding how best to abide by her grandmother’s African religion — that never gels with the bright white A-story.—
Erin Strecker,
IndieWire,
17 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The ability of some vacuum sealers to work with mason jars and canisters also means that things like sauces, jams, and dry goods can be locked away in airtight conditions too.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appétit,
27 Jan. 2025
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Swap out cheddar for goat cheese to make creamy mac 'n cheese, or impress guests with a spread of goat cheese, crackers, and jams at your next dinner party.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
However, using it too often or as a replacement for shampooing and conditioning your hair can pose some problems.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
3 Feb. 2025
-
While the replacement process was ongoing when the attack occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, officials installed a temporary barrier where Bourbon Street meets Canal Street, presumably to prevent suspicious vehicles from driving down the busy tourist area.—
Audrey Conklin,
Fox News,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The success of Netflix’s Atypical and The Night Agent likely put the Chicago-area native in a favorable position to sell Back in Action, a spy action-comedy that was born out of Gordon’s original premise of how children would impact the espionage careers of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Building trades members filling the Council chamber bore out their support.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Her husband’s samples had arrived there coagulated and useless.—
John Carreyrou,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Antonio ended up in intensive care at Dell’s Children's Medical Center and was gaunt, his blood coagulating.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American-Statesman,
24 Nov. 2024
Noun
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But these posts aren’t a substitute for actual community and support.—
Maytal Eyal,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2025
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Bao and Broth The OG Tofu Bun: Crispy Tofu is a great substitute for the menu’s 5-spice Pork Belly Bun.—
Sunny Hubler,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Remember to harden off the seedlings for a week or two before transplanting to avoid transplant shock. 10.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2025
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Trump is adding to the pressure with mass deportations—then hoping to contain whatever erupts by simply hardening the southern border.—
Will Freeman,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That's when a flight controller will suggest an alternate runway to create a better sequence of arrivals.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2025
-
The four-year starter and two-time state alternate is 28-5 at 144 pounds this season.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near back (up)
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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