switchbacks

noun

plural of switchback
as in roads
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 switchbacks Cloud cover limited the helicopter to a lower drop point near 50/50 Flat, above the switchbacks, forcing rescuers to climb on foot to reach the injured woman. — James Ward, USA Today, 2 July 2026 From there, the itinerary continues toward Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most famous mountain roads, known for its steep switchbacks and waterfalls. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Waymos are designed to take the fastest route, and eight switchbacks with tourists driving down in awe of San Francisco at 5mph will never be that. — Rakesh Agrawal, PC Magazine, 28 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 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 The climb winds through cedar forest and switchbacks into remote Berber villages where the architecture grows out of the rock and days are timed to the sheep and the seasons. — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 23 May 2026 Hundreds of people trudged up the steep switchbacks in single file. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Those who reach the top return via the Barr Trail’s switchbacks. — Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for switchbacks
  1. roads
  2. highways
  3. streets
  4. roadways
  5. freeways
  6. rows
  7. thoroughfares
  8. turnpikes
Noun
  • That’s also the figure governments across South Florida rely on when adapting infrastructure like roads, or planning new ones.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Several of the roads were constructed with pedestrians in mind first, envisioning the fan march from the Landing to CPKC Stadium on match days.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of roads
Noun
  • Its only link to the province’s highways is a 5-hour train ride that shuttles passengers, freight, and vehicles through the Boreal forest.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
  • Developers have pointed to the area as an ideal location because of its proximity to major highways, existing parking structure and nearby public transit hubs, such as the KC Streetcar.
    — Dylan Lysen July 29, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
Definition of highways
Noun
  • Funen is a historic spot known for its 123 castles and estates, and Odense is particularly lovely, with characterful old streets, lush greenery, and inspiring museums that add to its charm.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Lauren Harper, was breaking department rules, and potentially the law, by having sex in parking lots and along streets.
    — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of streets
Noun
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Traffic signals are being upgraded in Poway to improve traffic flow on the roadways, first on Espola Road and later on Poway Road.
    — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2026
Definition of roadways
Noun
  • On Los Angeles freeways that muscle comes in handy all day long.
    — Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • But some older generations saw the freeways choose to live near them.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of freeways
Noun
  • Rafaela turned on it and sent a towering solo homer three rows deep in left-center field.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Bleacher seats in the top rows of the 7,500-seat main stadium were going for $100 on the secondary market in the middle of the week.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of rows
Noun
  • Towns were depopulated or abandoned altogether; farmland was left fallow; forests regrew; busy thoroughfares fell silent and grand villas derelict.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
  • Officials in La Grange are looking at how to improve one of the main thoroughfares in town.
    — Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of thoroughfares
Noun
  • As transportation networks expanded—first with canals and turnpikes, and later with railroads—rural isolation began to fade.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • Both turnpikes are currently classified as state highways, said Darian Butler, OTA engineering director.
    — Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of turnpikes

Browse Nearby Words

switchback
switchbacks
switchblade
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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