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
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
This hasn’t been his best season, but based on the film and his body of work, Bobrovsky is as likely as any goalie in the league to backstop a team to a deep playoff run.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The federal government should backstop and, in some cases, override state decisions which are bad for children, families and teachers.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backstop
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
This hasn’t been his best season, but based on the film and his body of work, Bobrovsky is as likely as any goalie in the league to backstop a team to a deep playoff run.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The federal government should backstop and, in some cases, override state decisions which are bad for children, families and teachers.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Players are asked to protect Prythian from the villainous King of Hybern by traveling across the kingdom's seven courts (aka the game board) to acquire properties, powers and more to aid in the war.—
Kirsten Acuna,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
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Recent rescue numbers could’ve been even higher, Yacenda said, but lifeguards have been aided by colder water and the fact that some schools are still in session — meaning crowds have been smaller.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Angel's family has started a GoFundMe to assist with her medical bills, baby products and accessible additions such as structural ramps to their home, as the teen was paralyzed in the incident and is using a wheelchair.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
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Clergy and volunteers went to the site to assist relatives, Anderson said, and officials were working Sunday afternoon to identify all victims and notify their next of kin.—
Kristin M. Hall,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Verb
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The sweeping changes will reflect Britain’s values, helping to protect children online while pushing back against the power of big technology companies, Starmer told a press conference.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
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But even Jo-Ellen couldn’t help but point out to Alicia that that means cum.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Create an inner and outer sanctuary that supports your emotional needs.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
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Mangione’s lawyers had faced a deadline Thursday to provide prosecutors with information to support the emotional disturbance claim.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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