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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Still, Radley London was generating cash and delivering positive earnings, which helps explain why Gordon Brothers was interested in the IP.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
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Here’s what forever chemicals are, how to check your local water quality and what experts say actually helps reduce exposure.—
Ryan Brennan
May 27,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstops. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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