as in to aid
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
the Nobel-winning geneticist was of course backstopped in his research by a team of highly talented assistants
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backstop
The sidelining of the European Union and the United Kingdom — who have funneled more than $160 billion in aid and military equipment to Ukraine since February 2022 — has fueled fears that the region can no longer rely on the US to backstop its security.
—
Anna Cooban, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
As is normal in our current system, additional firefighters from outside the local area arrived to backstop the initial responders when they were exhausted after their 24- or 48-hour shifts.
—Jay Balagna, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
European powers, therefore, will need to ramp up their investments in European defense industries to credibly backstop any security guarantees offered to Ukraine.
—Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2024
Initially, experts from major reinsurance companies that backstop the insurance industry had predicted the potential of $3 billion to $6 billion in damages before the hurricane landed.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Anna Cooban, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
As is normal in our current system, additional firefighters from outside the local area arrived to backstop the initial responders when they were exhausted after their 24- or 48-hour shifts.
—Jay Balagna, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
European powers, therefore, will need to ramp up their investments in European defense industries to credibly backstop any security guarantees offered to Ukraine.
—Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2024
Initially, experts from major reinsurance companies that backstop the insurance industry had predicted the potential of $3 billion to $6 billion in damages before the hurricane landed.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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This event united golfers, sponsors, donors, vendors and volunteers to aid families facing financial and emotional hardships caring for a critically ill child — some of which include homelessness, hunger and depression.—
Sharon Hlapcich,
Oc Register,
1 May 2025
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Nearly every element of the federal student aid system, from grants to aid disbursement to repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs, would be impacted if the plan is enacted.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Caroline Szczepaniak tallied a goal and assist for for Lemont (14-5, 9-0), while Gabriela Kuruc scored a goal and Ava Bergeson added an assist.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
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Mac Allister anticipates and intercepts a Lewis Hall pass before clipping a perfectly weighted ball ahead of Salah, who assists the Jones goal that makes it 1-1.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Bucky is helping Yelena lead the team, which is apparently now locked in a copyright battle with Sam Wilson, who seems to want to start his own non-governmental Avengers squad.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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Hours after the alleged murder, the FBI helped find and arrest the men.—
Alexandra Koch , Bill Melugin,
FOXNews.com,
4 May 2025
Verb
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Powertec’s equipment, designed by those who use it, supports lifting up to 1,000 pounds, which is significantly higher than the industry standard.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501(c)(3) public charity.—
Christine Condon,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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