backstop

verb

Definition of backstopnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backstop Meanwhile, rich coal deposits stretched across northern Chinese provinces continue to feed power plants and backstop renewable supply, in a reminder that China, the world’s largest carbon emitter, has yet to kick its fossil fuel habit. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 The Ellison Guarantee refers to Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s personal guarantee to backstop the Warners deal for his son, should any other equity deals fall through. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 Senior goalkeeper Giada McGlynn backstops a defense led by juniors Payton Cable, Sophia Duncan and Kasey Glynn and sophomore Sahana Raju. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for backstop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop
  1. aid
  2. assist
  3. help
  4. support
Verb
  • This is aided by the panoramic sunroof, which, unlike some, doesn’t eat into passenger headroom.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The front of the robot houses an AI Vision camera; ultrasonic and IR sensors that aid navigation, obstacle avoidance, and mapping; and a pair of LED lights for nighttime cleaning.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of aid
Verb
  • At the Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, the nurse spends her days caring for patients infected with Ebola — one of the world’s deadliest viruses — administering medicine and assisting those too weak to feed themselves.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Cowell, meanwhile, saw his acts at his Malibu estate, where he was assisted by singer Normani and singer and producer Poo Bear.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of assist
Verb
  • But even when screens help families make it through a busy day, Amin said many parents still feel guilty about relying on them.
    — Tara Duncan, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • From there, the episode’s mommy-issues plot thickens as the real Alicent does show up at Harrenhal and Alys tries (and fails) to convince Aemond his mother is not there to help him.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of help
Verb
  • Stefan Rittner, senior portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors, said markets were more likely to accept measures that improve productivity, labor supply and long-term growth than spending aimed mainly at supporting consumption.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Reuters — Japan’s government is portraying its accelerating military buildup not only as ​a way to protect the country but as a route to greater prosperity, arguing in ‌its latest defence white paper that arms production can support economic growth.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

backstairs
backstop
backstopped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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