backstop

verb

Definition of backstopnext
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

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 backstop 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 The Ellison Guarantee refers to Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s personal guarantee to backstop the Warners deal for his son, should any other equity deals fall through. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 Senior goalkeeper Giada McGlynn backstops a defense led by juniors Payton Cable, Sophia Duncan and Kasey Glynn and sophomore Sahana Raju. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 In an email shared with the Herald Friday night, a spokesperson for Kraft Sports & Entertainment emphasized that Kraft Group has agreed to backstop the entire amount requested. — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
  1. aid
  2. assist
  3. help
  4. support
Verb
  • In an interview posted by the business daily RBC, Wildberries founder Tatyana Kim said her company was discussing the possibility of tax relief and other measures with Russia authorities to aid sellers affected by attacks.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • Skywatchers should look north during the darkest hours; smartphone cameras can aid in detecting faint glows.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of aid
Verb
  • Metro Fire officials were assisting the Rancho Cordova Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the woman’s death.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • The New England Revolution player assisted both of Son’s goals during his 36 minutes on the field.
    — Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of assist
Verb
  • Pane and McKay revealed that British actor Simon Pegg will voice the Balrog, a giant demonic monster who helps Sauron forge the One Ring.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Perhaps Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources’s technology that turns wet coffee grounds into biofuel comparable to anthracite charcoal can help in the fuel aspect.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
Definition of help
Verb
  • His campaign also supports the ballot initiative process — a measure that allows citizens to petition to propose changes to the state constitution.
    — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Wi-Fi was quite fast—backed by Starlink—and able to support Zoom calls and remote work.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

backstairs
backstop
backstopped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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