BACKSTOP Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

backstop

verb

Definition of backstop

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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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 To earn the starting spot, Langeliers beat out Blue Jays backstop Alejandro Kirk in the head-to-head Phase 2 of fan voting, MLB announced Saturday. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026 Even the $625 million in federal security funding meant to backstop the cities was still being lobbied for late in the process, and, averaged across 11 hosts, wouldn’t come close to covering the bills. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 June 2026 Initially, there were historically cheaper loans needed to backstop a coronavirus-twisted economy. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 28 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for backstop

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstop

Verb

That has also helped the firm navigate its huge investment plans at a time when many projects in the kingdom are scaling back spending — aided by a $3 billion partnership with Blackstone to fund its data center deals.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Childcare assistance, funded by the federal government with help from states, is supposed to aid working parents who are low-income, homeless or caring for foster children.

— Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of aid

Verb

Having Maxx Crosby back on the field will help, but improvements need to be made if the Raiders want to be competitive.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The committee would eventually disband without an answer, despite the fact that Selig had helped engineer the sale of the team in 2005 to Lew Wolff, an old University of Wisconsin frat buddy, and John Fisher.

— Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of help

Verb

Our team of Victim Advocates are supporting those involved in what happened today.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Easley said a community gathering organized in support of the brewery on Saturday drew a large crowd, with some of the drag brunch’s vendors and a food truck showing up to support the brewery.

— Evan Moore August 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

backstairs

backstop

backstopped

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“Backstop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstop. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of backstop

verb

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