backstops

verb

present tense third-person singular of backstop
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backstops In a systemic crisis, Congressional appropriation—taxpayer money—backstops that fund. — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstops
  1. aids
  2. assists
  3. helps
Verb
  • Emerge now aids nearly 1,900 survivors through complex legal processes and offers a crucial reintegration program for young women aging out of state care at 18, teaching vital life skills.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The movie focuses on a murder of a shepherd unraveled by his flock, which aids a somewhat hapless rural policeman in solving the crime.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 23 July 2026
Definition of aids
Verb
  • The electrical system recovers energy during braking and assists the gasoline engine, but the car cannot travel on electricity alone and never needs to be plugged in.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In early 2021, Jesse would receive help from Roof Above, which is a nonprofit that assists people who are experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of assists
Verb
  • Nia’s vulnerability helps further disarm Lala, who seems to actually want to meet in the middle.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • Getting ahead of those conversations helps prevent misunderstandings once households merge and rent is due.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026
Definition of helps

Browse Nearby Words

backstopping
backstops
backstreet
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Cite this Entry

“Backstops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstops. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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