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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Recent Examples of backstop
Some analysts advocate for full privatization, meaning the government would not provide assurances to backstop the two mortgage companies.
—
Samantha Delouya, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
In the medium to long term, the EU will need to overhaul its defense capabilities and industry if Europe is to meaningfully backstop its own security.
—Norbert Röttgen, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2024
Under my system, the United States would still backstop the continent’s security by providing a nuclear umbrella and deploying its naval resources.
—Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
At the August trade deadline, the team’s president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, loaded up on bullpen arms to backstop the starting rotation that was built for fall, but damaged or missing over the summer.
—Dan Freedman, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Samantha Delouya, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
In the medium to long term, the EU will need to overhaul its defense capabilities and industry if Europe is to meaningfully backstop its own security.
—Norbert Röttgen, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2024
Under my system, the United States would still backstop the continent’s security by providing a nuclear umbrella and deploying its naval resources.
—Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
At the August trade deadline, the team’s president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, loaded up on bullpen arms to backstop the starting rotation that was built for fall, but damaged or missing over the summer.
—Dan Freedman, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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Now, in order to help Ao Bing’s soul recover his tangible body, Ne Zha will have to hide his identity as a demon, overcome multiple obstacles to become an immortal, and obtain a miraculous elixir to aid his pal.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2025
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If any parties in the administration pressured Romania or otherwise aided the Tates, they should be disciplined.—
Newsweek,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Now, as Liverpool chase a second Premier League title, the forward is in prime position to take Henry and De Bruyne’s season assists record.—
Nnamdi Onyeagwara,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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Besides offering up some sage knowledge to the team’s young core, Seth Curry’s presence also assists the Hornets in other ways, with court spacing being right at the very top of the list.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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After writhing on the ground for a few minutes, Irving was helped to the free-throw line and channeled his inner Kobe: Chills.—
Stan Son,
The Athletic,
5 Mar. 2025
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Kickstarter has helped support more than 88,000 projects in its film and video category since the company was founded in 2009.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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And the agencies support ICE, if requested, when the federal agency conducts raids and other enforcement actions.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2025
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The Alaskan city’s port, meanwhile, still supports Yukon mining and is a critical hub for fuel and other essentials both communities need.—
Dee-Ann Durbin and Sally Ho,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to backstop
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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