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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backstop
The federal government should backstop and, in some cases, override state decisions which are bad for children, families and teachers.
—
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Earlier this month, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league would backstop the teams that elected to cut ties with their RSNs.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Larry Ellison, one of the world’s richest men, personally agreed to backstop the equity in Par’s latest offer to address WBD’s concerns.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Trump has suggested on social media that America would help to backstop any investments.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Earlier this month, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league would backstop the teams that elected to cut ties with their RSNs.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Larry Ellison, one of the world’s richest men, personally agreed to backstop the equity in Par’s latest offer to address WBD’s concerns.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Trump has suggested on social media that America would help to backstop any investments.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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With the infield playing in, second baseman Nico Hoerner threw out CJ Kayfus, running from third on contact, at home aided by a stellar catch and tag by Amaya.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
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Frank’s aided by his remote connection to Tom, his handler, who keeps him on track.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Both assist with the production of collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
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Disaster Action Team volunteers are assisting those affected with emergency needs, including temporary lodging, financial assistance and other support services.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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To help keep a lid on prices at the pump, the Environmental Protection Agency recently waived the summertime cap on the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
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The Kansas City Star has created a voter guide to help readers understand who everyone is on the KC-area ballot.—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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By that, Lentsch means that the general public — the masses — overwhelmingly support public lands and have the potential to throw their support behind the cause.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
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The school raised the majority of the funding for the forest from the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which will also support an environmental science project on campus.—
Molly McCrea,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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