tailbacks

noun

plural of tailback, British
as in jams
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 tailbacks That should allow star running back De’Von Achane to find space to scoot around the edge, or for rotational tailbacks Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II to pound it along the left side. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026 The team’s tailbacks were led by Jordan James and rookie Kaelon Black. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 29 May 2026 During last week’s practice that was opened up to the media the Dolphins offense was picked off three times, and a ton of passes were check-down passes thrown to the tailbacks and tight ends. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 At some point on Saturday, or before, look at the tailbacks most likely to be on the board after Round 2 or Round 3. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 The Broncos also will need more production from tailbacks Jaleel McLaughlin and RJ Harvey, who combined for 41 rushing yards across just 10 carries against Buffalo. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026 The 49ers didn’t have a single running back break 300 yards last season, and while the line struggled to open holes, the tailbacks couldn’t hold on to the ball. — Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Jan. 2026 But mostly, the Bills have allowed star tailbacks to run amok. — Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tailbacks
  1. jams
  2. snarls
  3. bottlenecks
Noun
  • The workshops include all ingredients and participants learn skills such as cutting and folding meats, placement and spacing for jams and honeys.
    — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Lopez and multiple bullpen arms got out of tough jams to limit the Red Sox 16 baserunners across the first nine innings to just two runs, only one earned.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of jams
Noun
  • The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to install temporary three-way stop signs at the intersections during a road project that’s already created mind-numbing traffic snarls and angry and confused drivers.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • Be prepared for traffic snarls and multiple security checkpoints.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026
Definition of snarls
Noun
  • Strengthening domestic chipmaking Bill Frauenhofer, Executive Director for Semiconductor Innovation and Investment at the Department of Commerce, said the project could help remove long-standing bottlenecks in advanced packaging.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
  • These moments determine whether growth translates into durable customer value or creates bottlenecks.
    — Chris Dunn, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of bottlenecks

Browse Nearby Words

tailback
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Cite this Entry

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

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