1
as in support
an act or instance of helping
the teacher's backing on the science project was invaluable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sponsorship
the financial support and general guidance for an undertaking
the museum exhibition would not have been possible without corporate backing
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in endorsing
to promote the interests or cause of
she enthusiastically backed the plan to renovate and upgrade the school's facilities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in assisting
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
a number of influential people have already agreed to back the candidate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reinforcing
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea)
the author needs to back her thesis with more facts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 backing
Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Paste the walls is used for more heavy, high-quality wallpapers with a non-woven backing.
—Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Glenn has said that Jets owner Woody Johnson is fully backing him despite having one of the worst records in franchise history.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backing
Noun
Maduro was an autocrat with weak popular backing whose departure has certainly been welcomed by many of Venezuela’s citizens and celebrated by a vibrant diaspora.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Paste the walls is used for more heavy, high-quality wallpapers with a non-woven backing.
—Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
West Ham are on a nine game winless run following their 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday but The Athletic reported on Sunday that Nuno is not under immediate threat of being sacked and the board plan on backing him in the window this month.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Glenn has said that Jets owner Woody Johnson is fully backing him despite having one of the worst records in franchise history.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backing
Noun
-
Ensuring officials have the mental and technological support for making big decisions in big matches with big consequences?—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
All face charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and additional juvenile cases may be under seal.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For over two decades, her father has been trying to do just that with the help of his brother, who is a citizen, through his I-130 sponsorship, also called a family petition.—
Marie Saavedra,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The hosts talk about how the saga shows the other side of sports sponsorships.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
With both Democratic ranking members endorsing them, the bills are likely to pass with wide bipartisan support.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The Democratic Governors Association, the arm of the Democratic Party focused on electing Democratic governors, released a statement on Monday praising Walz for his work without endorsing any other potential candidates.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Footage from local television stations showed Portland police assisting the FBI at the scene.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Several Icons work alongside newcomers, assisting with citizenship applications and teaching music and language classes that preserve their community's cultural heritage.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But critics and former employees who spoke with CNN say the AI company has long known of the dangers of the tool’s tendency toward sycophancy – repeatedly reinforcing and encouraging any kind of input – particularly for users who are distressed or mentally ill.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Under his leadership, Brioni underwent an operational reorganisation and experienced strong growth momentum, reinforcing its position in the luxury menswear landscape, according to its parent company Kering.—
Vogue Business Team,
Vogue,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The outlet also said the plan represents a shift away from long-standing import subsidies toward direct assistance for citizens.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
-
According to the firm, its robots provide interactive assistance, handling routine inquiries with a warm, human-like presence and expressive body language.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His power rested on controlling promotions, finances and patronage.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Advertisement If Beijing’s patronage couldn’t protect Maduro, why should Taipei assume Washington’s can protect them?—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Lucille Horn — who survived premature birth thanks to early medical innovation — spent her later years advocating for neonatal care, helping countless children.—
Norman B. Gildin,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Kevin is also pursuing justice on behalf of his children by advocating for stronger child welfare laws and pushing for regulations on the life coaching industry in Utah, according to The Salt Lake Tribune and KUTV.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backing. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share