1
as in to testify (to)
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in makeshift
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 back (up)
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
There’s always the chance that one of the scads of backups on the team overtakes Aguilar after spring practice and fall training camp, but don’t count on it based on the fact that no one else on the roster has thrown a pass at the college level.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
More Bucks News: Bobby Portis Hit with Massive Suspension for Violating NBA Policy
Lillard's backup at the point, Ryan Rollins, is a better defender, but presents a far less complete offensive package.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Smythe’s one-year, low-money deal says that the Bears added a capable backup, one who has experience with Johnson.
—Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Noun
All Gmail users should setup passkeys and ensure the strongest form of 2FA is is in place for passwords left in place as a backup.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
There’s always the chance that one of the scads of backups on the team overtakes Aguilar after spring practice and fall training camp, but don’t count on it based on the fact that no one else on the roster has thrown a pass at the college level.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
More Bucks News: Bobby Portis Hit with Massive Suspension for Violating NBA Policy
Lillard's backup at the point, Ryan Rollins, is a better defender, but presents a far less complete offensive package.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Smythe’s one-year, low-money deal says that the Bears added a capable backup, one who has experience with Johnson.
—Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
Verb
-
The enthusiasm and excitement level of these kids has really gelled.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2025
-
With aviators on, hair thickly gelled and a crisp white uniform, Iceman is a smooth-talking pilot with skills to match.—
Hank Sanders,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
For lunch there are soups, salads, quiches and toasts, such as avocado toast or peanut butter and jam.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
7 Apr. 2025
-
After a wild pitch moved both baserunners into scoring position, Garrett escaped the jam with another swinging strikeout, this time of All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk, with a splitter out of the zone.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Empowering Innovation Without Losing Control Despite their growing autonomy, agentic AI systems should be seen as tools that augment human capabilities, not as replacements for human oversight.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Roosevelt Park is still in progress, with a tennis court being converted into a roller rink, astro turf replacement at the pool area, new ADA entrances, decorative lightpoles in the center of new picnic tables and basketball court resurfacing and paving.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The idea for the brand was born out of an insightful mishap.—
Jeff Fromm,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
This assertion is now bearing out, to some degree, much to the anti-vaccine community's chagrin.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But there was another possible explanation the company didn’t discuss: Blood could coagulate inside the filter if the dialysis machine’s flow rate was set too low.—
John Carreyrou,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Hope needs to find hope and coagulate into a giant hope.—
Steven Zeitchik,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
There’s simply no substitute for the positive outcomes that qualities like grit, individual effort, commitment and consistency can predictably bring into your life.—
Vinesh Sukumaran,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Wellness shots should be consumed in moderation and are not a substitute for a well-rounded diet.—
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, LD,
Health,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
To start, harden off your seedlings over a two-week period and then plant them in a sunny, well-draining garden bed or 8- to 12-inch pots.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Apr. 2025
-
The Mexican leader did harden her language on the topic following the Los Alegres del Barranco concert.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The uniform rule change will allow teams to wear throwback and alternate jerseys more often, another welcome change for fans.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
-
That alternate path Monday led to 68 points in the paint for the Heat, compared to 36 for the Wizards.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share