Definition of tailbacknext
British
as in jam
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 tailback In the past month the Miami Dolphins have claimed four players off the NFL waiver wire, and traded for an offensive tackle (Caedan Wallace) and a tailback (Jarquez Hunter). Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 The 5-10, 211-pound tailback played in five games last season but didn’t play an offensive snap, logging 22 special teams snaps in those appearances. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 The Eagles’ players to watch include quarterback Erick Osorio, tailback Jose Benitz and linebacker Jonathan Resendiz. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2026 The tailback captured the hearts and eyes of everyone who watched. Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tailback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tailback
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
Noun
  • New restaurants and retail shops in the development, besides more residents, would also increase congestion on an already major north-south thoroughfare, according to those opposed to the project.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Schumann adds that guests absorbed in their phones while walking around the ship are often less aware of their surroundings, creating unnecessary congestion and even safety concerns.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The harm caused by the delays spurred immigration attorneys and advocates in the state to send a letter to Chief Judge Sul Ozerden in March about the habeas bottleneck.
    Carla Astudillo, ProPublica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The average price of diesel gas hit its highest level Wednesday since the Iran war started as a global supply bottleneck tightens and seasonal demand is poised to rise.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Arguably the standout set of the entire festival, her set was grimy and dark, featuring songs off her new album, Music, Fashion, Film, for the first time with a permanent snarl.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The wildly popular Instagram page was offline for a hot minute, leaving the general pop pining for videos on the myriad zany happenings in our city, from traffic snarls and celebrity shenanigans to animal encounters and fights outside the club.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tailback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tailback. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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