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
Lawmakers voted earlier this week to kick in $50 million — drawing down about $100 million in federal matching funds — to backstop insurers, Conway said.
—
Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2025
European allies are working on options for a multinational security force that could backstop a peace deal.
—Jasmine Baehr , Liz Friden, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Kyiv’s European allies are looking to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement, and a coalition of 30 countries, including European nations, Japan and Australia, has signed up to support the initiative.
—Sam McNeil, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
That group includes Detroit’s Dillon Dingler and Los Angeles Angels backstop Logan O’Hoppe.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2025
European allies are working on options for a multinational security force that could backstop a peace deal.
—Jasmine Baehr , Liz Friden, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Kyiv’s European allies are looking to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement, and a coalition of 30 countries, including European nations, Japan and Australia, has signed up to support the initiative.
—Sam McNeil, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
That group includes Detroit’s Dillon Dingler and Los Angeles Angels backstop Logan O’Hoppe.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Wide receiver George Pickens aided the passing game with five catches for 74 yards in the first half.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
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For now, researchers explain that the findings indicate that fiber not only aids digestion but can be a defender of metabolic health.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The guardsmen would be a deterrent, and also be available nearby to assist CMPD officers who will still be making arrests.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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But the 22-year-old playmaker has failed to score or assist in his first nine appearances for Arne Slot’s side.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By platforming industry experts and passionate entrepreneurs, Ducard is helping Pinterest expand into new arenas.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
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The findings could help improve forecasts of how radioactive materials are released from storage over thousands of years.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Then layer the bulbs as described above, tossing organic fertilizer into the bottom of each layer to support root growth.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
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Survivors were referred to support services provided by agencies such as Health and Human Services to ensure long-term care and protection.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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