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
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Recent Examples of backstop
Indeed, Monroe was an All-North Suburban Conference selection last season, her first as the varsity starter, and the Wisconsin-Stout recruit has continued to backstop the Blue Devils (17-8, 9-4) with grit in her senior season.
—
Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 21 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
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
The White House has also insisted that Ukraine hold new presidential elections, and refused to field U.S. troops in Ukraine or backstop any peace plan that would require U.S. security guarantees.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 21 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
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
The White House has also insisted that Ukraine hold new presidential elections, and refused to field U.S. troops in Ukraine or backstop any peace plan that would require U.S. security guarantees.
—Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Employers are increasingly dealing with an influx of fake candidates, aided by the rise of AI.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Ideas for aiding the industry As challenges continue, Michigan’s cannabis business owners have a few ideas for how to help the industry.—
The Detroit News,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Opportunities range from supporting medical clinics and public health initiatives to assisting in schools and vocational training centers.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Though Ajax failed to advance to the knockout phase, Kudus scored four goals and assisted twice in their six matches from that false nine position.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When conflict ensues at Anna’s bachelorette party, a ditzy medium tries to help.—
Katie Grant,
Parents,
7 Aug. 2025
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Managers who can modernize properties without losing their charm can help property owners turn them into profitable rentals.—
Johan Hajji,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The audit released this week supported Tian and Wang’s concerns about the fees and executive director salary reporting, in addition to finding several new issues.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
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As of Monday afternoon, a GoFundMe page set up to help support her and her children while Diaz Inestroza is in jail has so far raised $3,555 of a $4,000 goal.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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