switchback

noun

Definition of switchbacknext
as in road
a route that has many sharp turns for climbing a steep hill

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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 switchback The driver from Phoenix walked about 150 feet up to the road after sliding off a switchback near the summit of Imogene Pass. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 19 June 2026 This two-lane highway runs parallel to the Rio Grande and is filled with mountain views, steep inclines, and dramatic switchbacks. — Gabi De La Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026 There are a handful of switchbacks that help make the climb feel easier. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2026 Drivers needed a super-thin sole to feel the pedals, a rounded heel to pivot smoothly around sharp European switchbacks, and a tight suede fit. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for switchback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switchback
  1. road
  2. highway
  3. roadway
  4. street
  5. freeway
  6. thoroughfare
  7. turnpike
  8. expressway
Noun
  • Sadly, there are no plans for this sleek beast to be heading off-road outside of mainland China at this stage.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Short of being able to ban traffic from the busy road in front of the hotel, no.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of road
Noun
  • Video from his dash camera shows the aircraft gliding under a highway sign, missing it by mere feet, before touching down in the empty lanes.
    — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The famed highway—which turns 100 this year—passes through bustling cities, natural landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions, so there’s plenty of things to see (and do) along the way.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of highway
Noun
  • But the toll lanes were met with heavy neighborhood opposition after NCDOT released preliminary designs for the roadway in November.
    — DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026
  • They’re not required to have airbags and they’re allowed on roadways with speed limits of up to 35 mph.
    — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of roadway
Noun
  • Headed somewhere with beautiful (albeit hilly) cobblestoned streets?
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In a video on Facebook, a motorist canvassed the streets of Indian Trail as fires consumed properties and cars on both sides of the road.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of street
Noun
  • On Los Angeles freeways that muscle comes in handy all day long.
    — Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • The California Highway Patrol has issued a Sig Alert for all lanes of the freeway at Main Street.
    — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of freeway
Noun
  • Much of the action centers on Warren Street, a lively main thoroughfare lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, bookstores, cafés, and farm-to-table eateries.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Down below, the famous thoroughfare in Midtown Manhattan is packed full of commuters and tourists.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of thoroughfare
Noun
  • Multiple fans told the Miami Herald that Google Maps and Waze continued routing them toward closed roads/turnpike exits or the apps would fail to even generate a route to Miami Stadium.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Rubbernecking delays were also an issue on the other side of the turnpike, where a second crash happened nearby.
    — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of turnpike
Noun
  • All northbound traffic on the Dan Ryan was being diverted off the expressway at 67th Street in both the local and express lanes for several hours after the crash.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Dramatic video shows a loose tire flying across Interstate 76 before slamming into an SUV on the westbound Schuylkill expressway near the Girard avenue exit in Philadelphia.
    — Cherise Lynch, NBC news, 31 July 2026
Definition of expressway

Browse Nearby Words

switchable
switchback
switchbacks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Switchback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/switchback. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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