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
As is normal in our current system, additional firefighters from outside the local area arrived to backstop the initial responders when they were exhausted after their 24- or 48-hour shifts.
—
Jay Balagna, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
European powers, therefore, will need to ramp up their investments in European defense industries to credibly backstop any security guarantees offered to Ukraine.
—Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2024
Initially, experts from major reinsurance companies that backstop the insurance industry had predicted the potential of $3 billion to $6 billion in damages before the hurricane landed.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Half of the proceeds will be used to backstop local governments, while the other half will encourage spending by households and businesses.
—Nick Sargen, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Jay Balagna, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
European powers, therefore, will need to ramp up their investments in European defense industries to credibly backstop any security guarantees offered to Ukraine.
—Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2024
Initially, experts from major reinsurance companies that backstop the insurance industry had predicted the potential of $3 billion to $6 billion in damages before the hurricane landed.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Half of the proceeds will be used to backstop local governments, while the other half will encourage spending by households and businesses.
—Nick Sargen, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
Verb
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In the wake of that visit, Van Hollen pressed for improved access for humanitarian organizations trying to aid Palestinians.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
19 Apr. 2025
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To help aid this process, Chelsea Women are now operating independently from the men’s team and appointed Aki Mandhar, formerly of The Athletic, as their first-ever dedicated CEO.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Aleksander Barkov assists on both Reinhart goals to increase his total to 51 on the season.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2025
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Doctor Who historians know Marsh for her portrayal of Sara Kingdom, who ably assists William Hartnell’s Doctor in his fight against the mutant Daleks, on the third season of the BBC sci-fi series in 1965-66.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This helps put big companies and small companies on a level playing field.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Diners are invited to join the chef in the kitchen, help prepare the meal and document the experience for social media.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Survivors and community members at Florida State University came together to grieve and support each other at a vigil that drew thousands after two people were killed and more were injured in an April 17 campus shooting.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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As an entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in starting, running and advising companies in the software and life sciences sector, his role is to support the university’s emerging entrepreneurs, equipping them build viable companies.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
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