backstop

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Habeas was once supposed to provide a federal backstop when state courts failed.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Coal still accounts for more than half of China’s domestic energy mix and provides a reliable domestic energy backstop, they say, adding that Beijing could ramp up domestic coal production in the coming weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

For merger-arbitrage investors, Paramount’s all-cash bid with a ticking fee and a defined regulatory backstop materially reduced spread risk compared to a stock-heavy transaction subject to extended Justice Department review.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Team USA catcher Cal Raleigh—aka “Big Dumper,” the round-rumped, homer-slugging All-Star backstop for the Mariners—is getting grief for rejecting friendly greetings from Seattle teammates playing on other national teams.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

I walk around the backstop fence and sit down on the bench in the dugout, my back against the aluminum wall, warmed by the sunlight, and I cry.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan