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
Indeed, data from JPMorgan underscores that purported disconnect: The bank’s latest report indicates that small-scale traders have continued to backstop the U.S. equity market — even as AAII’s survey flashes warning signs from this group.
—
Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Balancing against Iran, for instance, can be achieved largely by Israel and by the Gulf Arab nations; the United States should not have to substantially backstop them or bribe them to pursue their own interests.
—Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
The sidelining of the European Union and the United Kingdom — who have funneled more than $160 billion in aid and military equipment to Ukraine since February 2022 — has fueled fears that the region can no longer rely on the US to backstop its security.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
Taxpayers often assume that the gift tax was enacted to backstop the estate tax.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Balancing against Iran, for instance, can be achieved largely by Israel and by the Gulf Arab nations; the United States should not have to substantially backstop them or bribe them to pursue their own interests.
—Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
The sidelining of the European Union and the United Kingdom — who have funneled more than $160 billion in aid and military equipment to Ukraine since February 2022 — has fueled fears that the region can no longer rely on the US to backstop its security.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
Taxpayers often assume that the gift tax was enacted to backstop the estate tax.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Ivey’s coaching staff also casts a web of support to protect her from outside noise and aid her vision for the team’s present and future.—
Sharí Nycole,
Essence,
26 Mar. 2025
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Strong winds and dry conditions aided the spread of the fires.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Any response or solution should be tailored for that client, conveying your genuine desire to assist.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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The Trump administration has separately directed the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces, which investigate domestic and international terrorist threats, to assist in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, according to a memo seen by Reuters.—
Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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For example, whenever one of the kids had a spelling bee, everyone in the car would help recite the words.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Please help show my baby that other badass women are out there!—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The investment from Coral Tree will help accelerate the Innovative Artists Entertainment’s expansion by enhancing the resources to support its agents and a growing roster of talent.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2025
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Most had lived in the country for many years and worked hard to support their families.—
Lea Skene,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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