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
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
France and the United Kingdom, meanwhile, will need to think hard about how their nuclear forces can backstop the continent’s conventional forces in an independent European deterrence strategy.
—Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
Now, Trevino is poised to backstop a promising young Reds team that has hopes of returning to the postseason under new manager Terry Francona — and will stick around beyond this season.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
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
France and the United Kingdom, meanwhile, will need to think hard about how their nuclear forces can backstop the continent’s conventional forces in an independent European deterrence strategy.
—Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
Now, Trevino is poised to backstop a promising young Reds team that has hopes of returning to the postseason under new manager Terry Francona — and will stick around beyond this season.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Sami Al-Arian, a former University of South Florida professor who is associated with the Gaza Tribunal, admitted to conspiring to aid the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group in 2006.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
12 July 2025
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To aid in future operation and prevent your window from getting stuck again, apply a spray lubricant, such as silicone spray, to the tracks.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The Trump administration intends to house immigration detainees at a big South Jersey military base, naming it as one of two sites now certified to assist in the president's plan for mass deportations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 July 2025
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Public health workers recommend individuals, businesses, and other organizations carry the drug to assist in an emergency.—
Christina Lengyel,
The Washington Examiner,
20 July 2025
Verb
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But in some instances, health insurers help cover related costs.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
14 July 2025
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Three simple questions can help leaders better engage with the full experience of change: • How does my body feel at this moment?—
Inga Bielińska,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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In addition, the iron, copper and zinc in quinoa work together to support energy production, the immune system and overall health for bones, skin and brain function.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
12 July 2025
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After Amanda was born in 2001, the family of four moved again from New Jersey to Florida to support Maria’s growing tennis ambitions.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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