backup
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for backup, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person, plan, or system kept in reserve in case the main one fails.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use backup
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A noun formed from the phrasal verb back up, meaning to support or reinforce from behind.
Full origin of backup →Frequently asked questions
What does “backup” mean?
The word “backup” means a person, plan, or system kept in reserve in case the main one fails. In plain terms, something held in reserve for support, or a saved copy of data, or a jam that stops normal flow.
How do you pronounce “backup”?
“Backup” is pronounced BAK-uhp (/ˈbækˌʌp/ in IPA).
How do you use “backup” in a sentence?
Here is “backup” used in a sentence: “Always bring a backup charger when you travel.”
What is another word for “backup”?
Words with a similar meaning to “backup” include reserve and spare.
What part of speech is “backup”?
“Backup” is a noun.
Is “backup” a common word?
“Backup” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “backup” have?
“Backup” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, plan, or system kept in reserve in case the main one fails.
What is the difference between 'backup', 'back up', and 'back-up'?
'Backup' as one word is a noun or adjective, as in 'make a backup' or 'a backup plan'. 'Back up' as two words is the verb, as in 'back up your files'. The hyphenated 'back-up' is an older or British variant of the noun, though the single word is now most common.
What is the difference between a 'backup' and an 'archive'?
A 'backup' is a copy of digital files kept separately so the originals can be restored if lost or damaged, and it is usually meant to be current and recoverable. An 'archive' is long-term storage of older files that are no longer in active use but kept for records, so a backup restores what you use now while an archive preserves the past.
What words commonly go with 'backup'?
In the 'reserve' sense, 'backup' often appears in 'backup plan', 'backup singer', and 'call for backup'. In the digital sense, it pairs with verbs such as 'create a backup', 'restore from a backup', and 'automatic backup'.