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
Relevance
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
Taxpayers often assume that the gift tax was enacted to backstop the estate tax.
—
Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Both to manage any transfer of the company's assets and/or to backstop the company financially.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
As is normal in our current system, additional firefighters from outside the local area arrived to backstop the initial responders when they were exhausted after their 24- or 48-hour shifts.
—Jay Balagna, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
Some analysts advocate for full privatization, meaning the government would not provide assurances to backstop the two mortgage companies.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Both to manage any transfer of the company's assets and/or to backstop the company financially.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
As is normal in our current system, additional firefighters from outside the local area arrived to backstop the initial responders when they were exhausted after their 24- or 48-hour shifts.
—Jay Balagna, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
Some analysts advocate for full privatization, meaning the government would not provide assurances to backstop the two mortgage companies.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
-
Israel has cut the flow of electricity to the last facility in Gaza that was still receiving power from the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) and has closed its main crossings with the enclave to aid.—
Ibrahim Dahman,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
-
In addition to North Carolina’s red-wolf crossings, the program has awarded grants for nearly three dozen projects — some of which will aid imperiled species such as ocelots and desert tortoises, many more that will seek to avert dangerous crashes with large mammals like deer, elk, and moose.—
Ben Goldfarb,
Vox,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The latest move to reduce the number of federal health workers comes as the the CDC is assisting with a deadly measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico and as lawmakers are debating deep cuts to Medicaid in the federal budget.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Jenner was assisted by sister styling duo Alexandra Rose and Mackenzie Grandquist, who she’s worked with since 2022.—
Hannah Malach,
WWD,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
After writhing on the ground for a few minutes, Irving was helped to the free-throw line and channeled his inner Kobe: Chills.—
Stan Son,
The Athletic,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Kickstarter has helped support more than 88,000 projects in its film and video category since the company was founded in 2009.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Abelson, who was nominated by President Biden, agreed with the plaintiffs that the executive orders discourage businesses, organizations and public entities from openly supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.—
Lindsay Whitehurst,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Vitale succeeds Donatella Versace, who will assume the role of chief brand ambassador, focused on supporting Versace’s philanthropic and charitable efforts.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to backstop
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share