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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backstop
In an email shared with the Herald Friday night, a spokesperson for Kraft Sports & Entertainment emphasized that Kraft Group has agreed to backstop the entire amount requested.
—
Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
This hasn’t been his best season, but based on the film and his body of work, Bobrovsky is as likely as any goalie in the league to backstop a team to a deep playoff run.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The federal government should backstop and, in some cases, override state decisions which are bad for children, families and teachers.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Earlier this month, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league would backstop the teams that elected to cut ties with their RSNs.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
This hasn’t been his best season, but based on the film and his body of work, Bobrovsky is as likely as any goalie in the league to backstop a team to a deep playoff run.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The federal government should backstop and, in some cases, override state decisions which are bad for children, families and teachers.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Earlier this month, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league would backstop the teams that elected to cut ties with their RSNs.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn) and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie).—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
25 May 2026
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But this would require a more discriminating choice of clients, to avoid aiding wars like Saudi Arabia’s brutal campaign in Yemen or Israel’s mass slaughter in Gaza.—
William Hartung,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Verb
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Soon after, in another incident in the Runyon Canyon area, the Los Angeles Police Department said officers assisted in a medical emergency involving two minors.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
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Other Those are all positive ways to assist in dealing with situational depression.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Every apartment needs personal touches to keep it from feeling overly staged, and these Quince Shagreen Picture Frames helped add that warmth while still looking incredibly chic.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2026
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Huawei’s Mate 60 smartphone, launched in 2023, included 5G connectivity powered by an advanced chip that helped the company regain market share from Apple.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
25 May 2026
Verb
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And even many doctors didn't know how to support her.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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Staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and seeking medical advice for severe dryness or other symptoms can support your recovery.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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