support
1 of 2verb
sup·port sə-ˈpȯrt 
supported; supporting; supports
transitive verb
1
: to endure bravely or quietly : bear
2
a(1)
: to promote the interests or cause of
(2)
: to uphold or defend as valid or right : advocate
supports fair play
(3)
: to argue or vote for
supported the motion to lower taxes
b(1)
: assist, help
bombers supported the ground troops
(2)
: to act with (a star actor)
(3)
: to bid in bridge so as to show support for
c
: to provide with substantiation : corroborate
support an alibi
3
a
: to pay the costs of : maintain
support a family
b
: to provide a basis for the existence or subsistence of
the island could probably support three
A. B. C. Whipple
A. B. C. Whipplesupport a habit
4
a
: to hold up or serve as a foundation or prop for
b
: to maintain (a price) at a desired level by purchases or loans
also : to maintain the price of by purchases or loans
5
: to keep from fainting, yielding, or losing courage : comfort
6
: to keep (something) going
supportability
sə-ˌpȯr-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē
noun supportable
sə-ˈpȯr-tə-bəl
adjective supportive
sə-ˈpȯr-tiv
adjective supportiveness
sə-ˈpȯr-tiv-nəs
noun support
2 of 2noun
1
a
: the act or process of supporting : the condition of being supported
b
: assistance provided by a company to users of its products
customer support
2
: one that supports —often used attributively
a support staff
3
: sufficient strength in a suit bid by one's partner in bridge to justify raising the suit
Synonyms
Verb
- advocate
- back
- champion
- endorse
- indorse
- patronize
- plump (for)
- plunk (for)
- plonk (for)
Noun
- brace
- buttress
- mount
- mounting
- prop
- reinforcement
- shore
- spur
- stay
- underpinning
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb I completely support your decision to stay. She no longer supports the war. The senator says that he supports the proposed legislation. Which presidential candidate do you support? The study is supported by the American Medical Association. The country's citizens were asked to support the war effort. Her friends supported her by signing her petition. The charity supports needy families. Bombers were called in to support the ground troops. The planet's atmosphere cannot support human life. Noun The team gets a lot of support from its fans. I'd like to thank my parents for all of their love and support over the years. He depended on his wife for emotional support. He applied for financial support from the state. the company's friendly support staff Inspectors found that some of the bridge's supports were weak. She used my arm as a support and limped to the chair. These sneakers are designed to give your feet extra support. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Karla Adam, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 Content creators and influencers such as Bader need exposure and money, often from brand deals, to support themselves and continue creating content, and not all brand partnerships are inherently bad when handled correctly. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 9 Sep. 2022 Even if life existed on every planet that could support it, living matter in the universe would amount to only a few grains of sand in the Gobi Desert. Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2022 So many people from my team came out to support me. Catie Offerman, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2022 Older generations are also more reluctant to openly express or support it. Wee Ling Soh, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Sep. 2022 But Catholic Medical Center continued to support him. BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 There’s also the new 988 mental health crisis hotline, which is anonymous and available to those experiencing crisis, as well as people looking to support them. Fortune, 6 Sep. 2022 David Weil, Biden’s first choice to run the wage and hour division, lost his Senate confirmation vote because Senators Kyrsten Sinema, Mark Kelly, and Joe Manchin wouldn’t support him. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 5 Sep. 2022 Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2022 Van Thof is now focused on getting support from the D.C. Council and D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser. Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2022 The actions on student loan debt, which reflect a campaign promise from President Joe Biden and were announced just months before the midterm elections, elicited immediate pushback from some and roaring support from others. Morgan Krakow, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Sep. 2022 Along with the prize, Dirty Difficult Dangerous will receive promotional support from Europa Cinemas Label, an association of arthouse cinema exhibitors from across Europe, in its theatrical rollout. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2022 But the proposal had zero support from other BART directors, and was quickly voted down. Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Sep. 2022 In particular, West is getting support from other Black celebrities who are particularly calling out the brand for using West to further its own agenda rather than give credit where credit is due. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 The measure also garnered support from an auto industry plagued by a chips shortage in recent years that led to idle plants, temporary layoffs and cars and trucks sitting on lots unable to head to dealerships. Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 8 Sep. 2022 And while Warnock draws some support from Republican moderates, Abrams — who has been vilified more by the GOP than any other statewide figure — has shown little sign of peeling off significant numbers of disaffected Republicans. BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 See More
Verb
Her late husband gave up his career to support her and dutifully walked a few paces behind her in public. Karla Adam, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 Content creators and influencers such as Bader need exposure and money, often from brand deals, to support themselves and continue creating content, and not all brand partnerships are inherently bad when handled correctly. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 9 Sep. 2022 Even if life existed on every planet that could support it, living matter in the universe would amount to only a few grains of sand in the Gobi Desert. Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2022 So many people from my team came out to support me. Catie Offerman, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2022 Older generations are also more reluctant to openly express or support it. Wee Ling Soh, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Sep. 2022 But Catholic Medical Center continued to support him. BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 There’s also the new 988 mental health crisis hotline, which is anonymous and available to those experiencing crisis, as well as people looking to support them. Fortune, 6 Sep. 2022 David Weil, Biden’s first choice to run the wage and hour division, lost his Senate confirmation vote because Senators Kyrsten Sinema, Mark Kelly, and Joe Manchin wouldn’t support him. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 5 Sep. 2022 Noun
However, if their worries are significant and affecting their daily life, patients may benefit from seeking support from a mental health professional. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2022 Van Thof is now focused on getting support from the D.C. Council and D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser. Theresa Vargas, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2022 The actions on student loan debt, which reflect a campaign promise from President Joe Biden and were announced just months before the midterm elections, elicited immediate pushback from some and roaring support from others. Morgan Krakow, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Sep. 2022 Along with the prize, Dirty Difficult Dangerous will receive promotional support from Europa Cinemas Label, an association of arthouse cinema exhibitors from across Europe, in its theatrical rollout. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2022 But the proposal had zero support from other BART directors, and was quickly voted down. Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Sep. 2022 In particular, West is getting support from other Black celebrities who are particularly calling out the brand for using West to further its own agenda rather than give credit where credit is due. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 The measure also garnered support from an auto industry plagued by a chips shortage in recent years that led to idle plants, temporary layoffs and cars and trucks sitting on lots unable to head to dealerships. Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 8 Sep. 2022 And while Warnock draws some support from Republican moderates, Abrams — who has been vilified more by the GOP than any other statewide figure — has shown little sign of peeling off significant numbers of disaffected Republicans. BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French supporter, from Late Latin supportare, from Latin, to transport, from sub- + portare to carry — more at fare
First Known Use
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing support
Kids Definition
support 1 of 2
verb
sup·port sə-ˈpȯrt
supported; supporting
1
: to hold up or in position : serve as a foundation or prop for
Posts support the porch roof.
2
: to take sides with : favor
Which candidate do you support?
3
: to provide evidence for : verify
They cannot support this claim.
4
: to pay the costs of : maintain
His income supports a large family.
5
: to keep going : sustain
There is not enough air to support life.
6
: to provide help or encouragement to
My friends supported me while I was sick.
support
2 of 2noun
1
: the act of supporting : the condition of being supported
2
: someone or something that supports
Medical Definition
support 1 of 2
transitive verb
sup·port sə-ˈpō(ə)rt, -ˈpȯ(ə)rt
1
: to hold up or serve as a foundation or prop for
2
: to maintain in condition, action, or existence
support respiration
support life
support
2 of 2noun
1
: the act or process of supporting : the condition of being supported
respiratory support
2
: supporter
Legal Definition
support 1 of 2
transitive verb
sup·port
1
a
: to promote the interests or cause of
b
: to uphold or defend as valid or right
c
: to argue or vote for
2
: to provide with substantiation or corroboration
support an alibi
3
: to provide with the means of livelihood (as housing, food, or clothing) especially in accordance with an agreement or court order
4
: to hold up or in position : maintain the physical integrity of
the right to have one's land supported by the underlying land
support
2 of 2noun
1
: the act or process of supporting : the condition of being supported
pledged the candidate their support
2
: a means of obtaining the necessities of life (as food, shelter, and clothing) : a source of livelihood especially in the form of alimony or child support
3
: something that provides support
support 1 of 2
noun
1
as in reinforcement
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else if you don't add a couple more supports to that tower of blocks, it's going to fall down Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- reinforcement
- mounting
- shore
- mount
- brace
- foundation
- pillar
- stay
- prop
- spur
- underpinning
- buttress
- bolster
- stand
- arch
- bracket
- column
- truss
- crutch
- shoring
- cantilever
- pedestal
- frame
- bearing
- stake
- peg
- base
- post
- girder
- pilaster
- strut
- stilt
- stanchion
2
as in assistance
an act or instance of helping the team's victory owes a lot to Joe's strong support in left field Synonyms & Similar Words
- assistance
- help
- assist
- boost
- encouragement
- aid
- lift
- backing
- advice
- hand
- guidance
- service
- helping hand
- leg up
- promotion
- facilitation
- sponsorship
- patronage
- advancement
- furthering
- nurturance
- mentoring
- kindness
- forwarding
- abetment
- attention
- furtherance
- care
- benefaction
- attendance
- counsel
- relief
- favor
- beneficence
- charity
- succor
- hand-holding
- philanthropy
- palliation
- assuagement
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- interference
- restraint
- inhibition
- hindrance
- obstruction
- constraint
- frustration
- repression
- discouragement
- deterrence
support
2 of 2verb
1
as in to advocate
to promote the interests or cause of though childless themselves, they support the local schools both by volunteering and by fiercely opposing funding cuts Synonyms & Similar Words
- advocate
- endorse
- help
- back
- embrace
- assist
- aid
- champion
- adopt
- patronize
- reinforce
- bolster
- stick up for
- hold a brief for
- indorse
- stand up for
- save
- further
- rescue
- forward
- plonk (for)
- go to bat for
- plunk (for)
- plump (for)
- buttress
- abet
- second
- boost
- go in for
- espouse
- backstop
- advance
- preach
- reenforce
- talk up
- bail out
- plug
- deliver
- side (with)
- prop (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- oppose
- interfere
- thwart
- sabotage
- frustrate
- fail
- let down
- baffle
- disappoint
- foil
- desert
2
as in to maintain
to pay the living expenses of a young widow supporting a sick mother as well as two small children on a teacher's salary Synonyms & Similar Words
- maintain
- keep
- fund
- finance
- sponsor
- underwrite
- take care of
- patronize
- stake
- provide (for)
- set up
- foot the bill (for)
3
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for pillars supporting the bridge Synonyms & Similar Words
- sustain
- bolster
- carry
- stay
- uphold
- underpin
- brace
- buttress
- undergird
- bear
- truss
- steady
- underlie
- shore (up)
- prop (up)
4
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea) studies that support the claim that red wine drinkers have a reduced risk of coronary disease and cancer Synonyms & Similar Words
- reinforce
- bolster
- prove
- corroborate
- buttress
- back
- reenforce
- confirm
- verify
- establish
- substantiate
- validate
- affirm
- shore (up)
- avouch
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- undermine
- weaken
- undercut
5
as in to justify
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections we support the students' right to speak out on local issues that affect them Synonyms & Similar Words
- justify
- defend
- maintain
- uphold
- advocate
- affirm
- stick up for
- assert
- confirm
- proclaim
- stand up for
- champion
- discuss
- vindicate
- insist
- state
- emphasize
- plead
- protest
- claim
- debate
- contend
- espouse
- underscore
- profess
- avow
- underline
- argue
- stress
- aver
- warrant
- avouch
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- withdraw
- abandon
- take back
- retract
- forsake
- reverse
- refute
- switch
- disprove
- abjure
- recant
- rebut
- controvert
6
as in to verify
to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of new evidence supports the original researchers' unexpected conclusions Synonyms & Similar Words
- verify
- confirm
- argue
- validate
- corroborate
- bear out
- vindicate
- prove
- reinforce
- demonstrate
- authenticate
- attest
- certify
- substantiate
- witness
- affirm
- establish
- document
- guarantee
- assert
- testify (to)
- declare
- reenforce
- warrant
- profess
- avow
- aver
- vouch (for)
- avouch
- back (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- refute
- disprove
- rebut
- contradict
- deny
- challenge
- question
- disavow
- dispute
- gainsay
- contest
- disclaim
7
as in to aid
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end sent reinforcements to support the troops deployed overseas Synonyms & Similar Words
- aid
- assist
- help
- reinforce
- back
- bolster
- facilitate
- promote
- abet
- encourage
- backstop
- bear a hand
- save
- guide
- benefit
- further
- sponsor
- endorse
- comfort
- foster
- forward
- sustain
- rescue
- launch
- advance
- champion
- attend
- serve
- patronize
- ease
- succor
- advise
- to stand one in good stead
- boost
- buttress
- nurture
- prop (up)
- mentor
- reenforce
- counsel
- profit
- indorse
- favor
- bail out
- hearten
- minister (to)
- oblige
- deliver
- embolden
- care (for)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hinder
- oppose
- restrain
- impede
- inhibit
- interfere
- hamper
- thwart
- hold back
- constrain
- block
- bar
- obstruct
- fail
- sabotage
- balk
- frustrate
- discourage
- handicap
- strangle
- let down
- baffle
- inconvenience
- foil
- disappoint
- desert
- hurt
- retard
- stifle
- harm
- repress
- damage
- injure
- stunt
- dishearten
- straiten
8
as in to tolerate
to put up with (something painful or difficult) he simply cannot support the thought of having to go on living without his beloved wife at his side Synonyms & Similar Words
- tolerate
- stand
- accept
- handle
- endure
- sustain
- take
- meet
- stomach
- bear
- stand for
- absorb
- stick out
- sweat out
- countenance
- abide
- pocket
- wear
- live with
- swallow
- tough it out
- hack
- go
- allow
- permit
- brook
- respect
- bide
- suffer
- lump (it)
- acquiesce
- capitulate
- reconcile (to)
- consent (to)
- assent (to)
- agree (with or to)
- submit (to)
- yield (to)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- refuse
- reject
- oppose
- fight
- dismiss
- decline
- repudiate
- resist
- combat
- avoid
- escape
- turn down
- spurn
- contest
- evade
- circumvent
- miss
- bypass
- refrain (from)
- elude
- dodge
- abstain (from)
- forbear
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of support are advocate, back, champion, and uphold. While all these words mean "to favor actively one that meets opposition," support is least explicit about the nature of the assistance given.
supports waterfront development
While in some cases nearly identical to support, advocate stresses urging or pleading.
advocated prison reform
In some situations, the words back and support are roughly equivalent. However, back suggests supporting by lending assistance to one failing or falling.
refusing to back the call for sanctions
The words champion and support are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, champion suggests publicly defending one unjustly attacked or too weak to advocate his or her own cause.
championed the rights of children
While the synonyms uphold and support are close in meaning, uphold implies extended support given to something attacked.
upheld the legitimacy of the military action