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
This additional power or right could be important to backstop the intent discussed above.
—
Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
To backstop the cratering state agencies and what their failure may portend for the economy and society, President Trump signed off on $50 billion in federal loans, including $20 billion for California’s Employment Development Division (EDD) alone.
—Will Swaim, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
The Trump administration’s hesitance to backstop Ukrainian and European security may be the jolt the EU needs to commit to working with Turkey.
—Mustafa Kutlay, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025
Because every country needed dollars to settle trade and backstop their own currencies, foreign countries had to buy up US debt, which in turn meant that the US paid less to borrow money and was able to run up trade and budget deficits without suffering the usual pain.
—Bryan Walsh, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
To backstop the cratering state agencies and what their failure may portend for the economy and society, President Trump signed off on $50 billion in federal loans, including $20 billion for California’s Employment Development Division (EDD) alone.
—Will Swaim, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
The Trump administration’s hesitance to backstop Ukrainian and European security may be the jolt the EU needs to commit to working with Turkey.
—Mustafa Kutlay, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025
Because every country needed dollars to settle trade and backstop their own currencies, foreign countries had to buy up US debt, which in turn meant that the US paid less to borrow money and was able to run up trade and budget deficits without suffering the usual pain.
—Bryan Walsh, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
-
The road to all these riches was aided by CBS’ failure to have the leverage of a backup plan for Romo five years ago.—
Andrew Marchand,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Another strategy that might be employed by a therapist involves setting up behavioral experiments to aid in reducing AI usage and AI reliance.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Multiple authorities had assisted in the search, including several fire departments, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Heavy equipment has been shifted from other parts of the fire to assist with removal of fuels.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Field believes one of the key intersections between AI and design is that AI tools will help broaden access, letting more people become designers.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The red edges and soft fabric give them an elegant look while their memory foam insole keeps feet supported and comfortable with every step.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
For Jamaica, how and where field event athletes can be better supported, and, for governing bodies, whether multiple medallists moving from one country to another at once sets another bad precedent.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share