backup
/ˈbækˌʌp/
NOUN
1. A reserve or substitute
A person or thing kept available to replace or support another when needed.
1.1. A replacement or substitute person
Refers to a person who is ready to take the place of another person, such as a replacement worker, substitute player, assistant, or temporary representative.
Synonyms
- substitute
- replacement
- stand-in
- alternate
- understudy
- reliever
- fill-in
- deputy
- proxy
- surrogate
- second
- pinch hitter
Antonyms
Examples
- The goalkeeper made a crucial backup save in the last minutes of the game.
Related Words
- assistant
- successor
- representative
- reserve
- temporary worker
- designated hitter
1.2. An alternative or emergency provision
Describes an additional option, resource, or arrangement kept available in case the primary choice fails or becomes unavailable.
Synonyms
- alternative
- reserve
- standby
- stopgap
- makeshift
- contingency
- provisional arrangement
- fallback
Antonyms
- primary option
- main plan
- permanent arrangement
Examples
- It's essential to have a reliable backup plan in case the primary one fails.
Related Words
- extra
- spare
- auxiliary
- emergency plan
- temporary solution
- substitute
NOUN
2. A copy of data stored for recovery
A separate copy of a file, record, or collection of data that can be used to restore the original if it is lost, damaged, or destroyed.
2.1. A copy of digital files or records
Refers to a duplicate of important digital information stored separately so that the original data can be recovered after accidental deletion, corruption, hardware failure, or other data loss.
Synonyms
- backup copy
- duplicate
- copy
- replica
- archive
- data copy
Antonyms
- original
- primary data
Examples
- The IT department performs regular backup of important data to prevent loss.
Related Words
- data recovery
- data protection
- file restoration
- redundancy
- storage
- backup system
NOUN
3. An accumulation caused by obstruction or congestion
A buildup of material, traffic, or other moving elements caused by a blockage, restricted flow, or insufficient capacity.
3.1. A buildup of material or fluid
Refers to an accumulation of substances such as water, sewage, or other materials when their normal movement is restricted by a partial or complete blockage.
Synonyms
- buildup
- accumulation
- blockage
- obstruction
- congestion
- clog
- logjam
Antonyms
- clearance
- unobstructed flow
- free flow
Related Words
3.2. A traffic congestion or queue
Describes a buildup of vehicles or people caused by restricted movement, delays, or an obstruction along a route or passage.
Synonyms
- traffic jam
- tailback
- bottleneck
- gridlock
- logjam
- snarl
Antonyms
- free-flowing traffic
- clear road
- unimpeded movement
Related Words
- traffic congestion
- delay
- slowdown
- road obstruction
- stoppage
NOUN
4. Additional personnel or assistance for law enforcement
Extra people or resources sent to support law enforcement officers when additional assistance is required.
4.1. Police reinforcements
Refers to additional police officers or law enforcement personnel called to assist officers already handling an incident or emergency.
Synonyms
- reinforcements
- police support
- additional officers
- extra personnel
Related Words
- law enforcement
- police assistance
- patrol
- backup unit
- emergency response
ADJECTIVE
5. Providing support or reinforcement
Serving to support, strengthen, or accompany someone or something.
5.1. Providing additional support
Describes something that reinforces, assists, or provides additional support to a primary person, system, activity, or resource.
Synonyms
- supporting
- auxiliary
- reinforcing
- supplementary
- additional
- complementary
Antonyms
- unsupported
- independent
- primary
Examples
- Backup generators provide electricity during power outages.
Related Words
- assisting
- aiding
- bolstering
- strengthening
- sustaining
- ancillary
5.2. Kept available as a reserve
Describes something held in reserve or kept ready for use if the primary resource, equipment, or arrangement becomes unavailable.
Synonyms
- standby
- reserve
- spare
- extra
- alternate
- additional
- auxiliary
Antonyms
Related Words
- contingency
- substitute
- replacement
- emergency provision
- fallback
5.3. Related to musical accompaniment
Describes musical performers, voices, or instruments that accompany and support a lead singer, musician, or primary performance.
Synonyms
- accompanying
- supporting
- auxiliary
Antonyms
- solo
- unaccompanied
Related Words
- accompaniment
- backing vocals
- backup singer
- supporting musician
- musical ensemble