backer

American  

[bak-er] / ˈbæk ər /

noun

1. a person who supports or aids a person, cause, enterprise, etc.

   Synonyms:

   helper, aide, guarantor, sponsor, supporter

2. a person who bets on a competitor in a race or contest.

3. canvas or other material used for backing.

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backer British  

/ ˈbækə /

noun

1. a person who gives financial or other support

2. a person who bets on a competitor or contestant

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Etymology

Origin of backer

First recorded in 1535–45; back ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Cliffwater backers note that losses are relatively low, the funds are diversified, and their average annual returns have been greater than 9%, after fees.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stargate is a $500bn project to build up data center capacity in the US, which backers say is needed for planned increases in AI processing and power requirements over the next several years.

From BBC

While investors’ appetite for space has grown in recent years, NASA, through its contracts, remains a major backer of everything from satellite makers to launch companies.

From MarketWatch

When combined with state incentives that typically range from 20% to 40%, backers believe it would be enough to bring most Hollywood productions back to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Paramount has insisted that its foreign backers will only have passive roles and will not have board seats or any voting interest in the combined company.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• advocate
• ally
• benefactor
• endorser
• follower
• patron
• promoter
• sponsor