Synonyms of backstop

backstop

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aid
• assist
• help
• support
• back
• reinforce
• bear a hand
• forward
• abet
• bolster
• facilitate
• save
• guide
• prop (up)
• sponsor
• promote
• to stand one in good stead
• comfort
• encourage
• champion
• endorse
• benefit
• serve
• rescue
• minister (to)
• launch
• further
• buttress
• foster
• sustain
• mentor
• patronize
• counsel
• attend
• advance
• ease
• care (for)
• succor
• bail out
• advise
• profit
• nurture
• boost
• favor
• oblige
• embolden
• hearten
• deliver

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• block
• restrain
• hinder
• bar
• balk
• oppose
• impede
• inhibit
• interfere
• hamper
• hold back
• thwart
• constrain
• foil
• obstruct
• fail
• baffle
• handicap
• frustrate
• strangle
• sabotage
• let down
• inconvenience
• desert
• discourage
• disappoint
• retard
• hurt
• damage
• harm
• stifle
• injure
• repress
• stunt
• dishearten
• straiten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of backstop

To earn the starting spot, Langeliers beat out Blue Jays backstop Alejandro Kirk in the head-to-head Phase 2 of fan voting, MLB announced Saturday. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Even the $625 million in federal security funding meant to backstop the cities was still being lobbied for late in the process, and, averaged across 11 hosts, wouldn’t come close to covering the bills. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 June 2026

Initially, there were historically cheaper loans needed to backstop a coronavirus-twisted economy. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

Meanwhile, rich coal deposits stretched across northern Chinese provinces continue to feed power plants and backstop renewable supply, in a reminder that China, the world’s largest carbon emitter, has yet to kick its fossil fuel habit. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026