as in aids
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 backstops
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
Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstops
Verb
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Regular watering also aids nutrient uptake, prevents water stress that can stall development, and results in a bigger harvest.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
23 May 2026
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The Tea3 Foundation aids children, military members and animals.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
Verb
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This assists you in understanding others during in-person conversations.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
26 May 2026
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That’s why Julie Melnick, founder of SkySquad, which assists at the check-in counter all the way to the luggage carousel, advises senior clients to pack a blanket.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2026
Verb
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But a comment made by deputy commissioner Bill Daly during the annual State of the NHL news conference with commissioner Gary Bettman on Tuesday helps illustrate why the issue remains anything but easy for many with a stake in tournaments such as the 2028 World Cup.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
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The distinction between smaller personal use versus high commercial volume is significant, and reporting catches helps maintain and track marine-life population.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstops. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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