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
Kyiv’s European allies are looking to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement, and a coalition of 30 countries, including European nations, Japan and Australia, has signed up to support the initiative.
—
Sam McNeil, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Swanson will gravitate toward Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, MLB’s home run leader, and Blue Jays backstop Alejandro Kirk.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Sam McNeil, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Swanson will gravitate toward Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, MLB’s home run leader, and Blue Jays backstop Alejandro Kirk.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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In addition to the other crimes, court documents note Denis allegedly aided in filing false joint tax returns in 2018, 2019 and 2020, resulting in claims of hundreds of thousands of fraudulent refunds each year.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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The album’s sales gain was aided by the wide release of its standard 12-track CD to brick-and-mortar retailers.—
Keith Caulfield,
Billboard,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In the 34th minute, Toklomati scored from the center of the box, assisted by Kerwin Vargas and Ashley Westwood.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Sep. 2025
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While police are prohibited by law from assisting in immigration enforcement, officers have in the past been called to guarantee the safety of the public and agents.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Supporters argue the task force helped modernize parts of the justice system and address racial disparities.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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Under captain Eric Brown, the GB&I team was even instructed not to help opponents search for lost balls.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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With this historic achievement, Tillman now extends that legacy to supporting actor in a drama.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
15 Sep. 2025
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Adolescence was a big winner on the night, also taking best limited series as well as Erin Doherty winning best supporting actress and Owen Cooper becoming the youngest-ever winner for best supporting actor in a limited series.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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