back (up) 1 of 3

verb

Definition of back (up)next
1
as in to testify (to)

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2
as in to gel

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backup

2 of 3

noun

ˈbak-ˌəp How to pronounce backup (audio)
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

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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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backup

3 of 3

adjective

as in makeshift

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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 back (up)
Noun
In each of those three years, the backup eventually became the starter due to injuries. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Returning backups Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski are competing for the starter’s job. — John Bohnenkamp, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The Chargers’ backup quarterback competition is over — for now. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The Bucs released backup QB Jake Browning on Sunday, which means former University of Kansas signal-caller Daniels is currently the second-team QB on the squad behind veteran Baker Mayfield. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for back (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back (up)
  1. gel
  2. jam
  3. replacement
  4. makeshift
  5. coagulate
  6. substitute
  7. proxy
  8. harden
Verb
  • Head coach Jimbo Fisher recruited well enough to offset those personnel losses, but no one knew how all these new players would gel, particularly redshirt freshman signal caller Jameis Winston.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Carrick using Mbeumo as a centre-forward is not new — but the way United’s forward line is gelling around him is.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of gel
Noun
  • But in reality, the carving occurs in fits and spurts, when floods carry huge boulders that gouge out streambeds and jam cobbles into the bedrock.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Everything is made in-house, from the syrups down to the jam.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of jam
Noun
  • Sanctioning that deal was always dependent on Liverpool being able to recruit a suitable replacement for the Netherlands international at an acceptable price.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That began a career-threatening battle with back injuries that includes seven surgeries since 2014 — several microdiscectomies, a 2017 lumbar fusion and most recently a lumbar disc replacement performed in October 2025.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of replacement
Adjective
  • Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, with her death triggering an outpouring of grief, from fellow Hollywood stars to everyday fans who attended makeshift memorials.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • China builds access road for rescue crews On the Chinese side, rescue crews completed a makeshift road to the disaster site at Gyirong Port on the Nepal border, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Verb
  • As most of the scientific books tell us, coagulating protein at lower temperatures produces more tender clumps; adding a little water or cream makes an omelet tenderer still.
    — Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026
  • If an egg cracks during boiling, vinegar can help the egg white coagulate faster, preventing it from leaking into the water.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of coagulate
Noun
  • With substitute Danny Imray, another new face at The Racecourse Ground, setting Ekomie up for his first goal in English football, Wrexham look well served in what has been a key area throughout Parkinson’s five years at the helm.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Somehow, this all dovetails with the fact that Davis and Friend were themselves substitutes for Greta Lee and Andrew Scott, who were cast as the leads when the film was announced in 2024.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of substitute
Adjective
  • Iran and its network of proxy forces have lobbed tens of thousands of rockets, missiles, and drones at major population centers in Israel.
    — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Wait, why is Bill Simmons under investigation for proxy betting?
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of proxy
Verb
  • This is to help chocolate layer not stick to sides when later hardened.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Gray’s challenge in such circumstances is to ensure that Blackstone’s pro-AI convictions don’t harden into a consensus his firm will regret if conditions change.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of harden

Browse Nearby Words

backtracks
back (up)
backup
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Cite this Entry

“Back (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20%28up%29. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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