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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backstop
Trump has suggested on social media that America would help to backstop any investments.
—
Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Google will backstop Fluidstack’s lease payments, underscoring Big Tech’s role in de-risking these projects.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
Williams was looking for feedback on the Fed’s use of a standing repo facility, a permanent lending tool that can backstop markets, per the report.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Nov. 2025
More nuclear power could help backstop renewables and displace coal.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Google will backstop Fluidstack’s lease payments, underscoring Big Tech’s role in de-risking these projects.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
Williams was looking for feedback on the Fed’s use of a standing repo facility, a permanent lending tool that can backstop markets, per the report.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Nov. 2025
More nuclear power could help backstop renewables and displace coal.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Over the past five years, the agency has awarded more than $500 million to aid the development of commercial outposts in LEO.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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Nancy Guthrie, whose health her family has described as fragile, was allegedly kidnapped earlier this month in a case that has now captured the nation's attention and brought federal law enforcement to Arizona to aid local police in a desperate search for her abductor.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The concierge team can assist guests in arranging appointments at Cure Spa (five-minute drive away), as well as personal training sessions, daily gym passes, or group workout classes at Advantage Personal Training (an eight-minute drive away).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
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The GoFundMe page, set up by Torres Hidalgo's in-home teacher Valerie Wadycki, initially asked for funds to assist with Torres Maldonado's legal fees and to help the family while he was being detained.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The service From the restaurant to the concierge team, the staff is friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
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Kody Pokraka erupted for a hat trick and two assists, pairing with a goal and two assists from Gavin Powderly to help Falmouth top Arlington Catholic, 7-4, in a Buddy Ferreira Classic consolation matchup.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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My job is to keep our mission, vision, and commitment to impact front and center and to make sure our staff feel supported and able to stay focused on the work.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Trump supported Milei’s fiscal program last year with a $20-billion credit line that succeeded in calming markets and boosting Milei’s prospects in a crucial midterm election in October.—
Isabel Debre,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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