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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backstop
To backstop the cratering state agencies and what their failure may portend for the economy and society, President Trump signed off on $50 billion in federal loans, including $20 billion for California’s Employment Development Division (EDD) alone.
—
Will Swaim, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
Indeed, Monroe was an All-North Suburban Conference selection last season, her first as the varsity starter, and the Wisconsin-Stout recruit has continued to backstop the Blue Devils (17-8, 9-4) with grit in her senior season.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Because every country needed dollars to settle trade and backstop their own currencies, foreign countries had to buy up US debt, which in turn meant that the US paid less to borrow money and was able to run up trade and budget deficits without suffering the usual pain.
—Bryan Walsh, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
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
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Will Swaim, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
Indeed, Monroe was an All-North Suburban Conference selection last season, her first as the varsity starter, and the Wisconsin-Stout recruit has continued to backstop the Blue Devils (17-8, 9-4) with grit in her senior season.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Because every country needed dollars to settle trade and backstop their own currencies, foreign countries had to buy up US debt, which in turn meant that the US paid less to borrow money and was able to run up trade and budget deficits without suffering the usual pain.
—Bryan Walsh, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
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
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Its 83 ingredients go beyond fruits and vegetables to include functional adaptogens like ashwagandha, reishi, and rhodiola (intended to aid stress and vitality), plus prebiotics and probiotics for gut health and vitamins to support daily energy.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Aug. 2025
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What has made Isak so important for Newcastle is his movement in the final third, aiding the origin of attacks.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Goodstein and others also assisted in moving students who had been evacuated from the nearby Mullins Library by police through Vol Walker Hall.—
Ryan Anderson,
Arkansas Online,
25 Aug. 2025
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The Menomonee Falls Fire Department assisted the Menomonee Falls Police Department with the crash.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As churches hold religious services this weekend, celebrants across the country are wrestling with how to help their congregations cope with and make sense of the tragedy at the Annunciation Church.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
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All in all, this expression shows the dedication to craftsmanship that has helped give Cazcanes such a sterling reputation.—
Andy Vasoyan,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Detroit Sandwich Week is a five-day event with a mission to support local businesses during the period between Christmas and New Year’s.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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All in all, the project cost about $38 million and was funded through the City of Milwaukee Tax Incremental District program, the American Rescue Plan Act and supported by the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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