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support

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verb

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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

3
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for pillars supporting the bridge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word support different from other verbs like it?

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

When could advocate be used to replace support?

While in some cases nearly identical to support, advocate stresses urging or pleading.

advocated prison reform

Where would back be a reasonable alternative to support?

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

When can champion be used instead of support?

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

When is it sensible to use uphold instead of support?

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

Examples 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 support
Noun
Grenell, who has a home in Palm Springs and previously taught at the USC Annenberg School of Communication, has also drawn both support and derision from California lawmakers. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024 The statement pointed to action taken by the Irish government, including Ireland’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state, and its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Sophie Tanno, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
In August 2024, the United States, also a major plastic and oil producer, announced a surprising policy shift by now committing to support limits on plastic production as well. Susan Solomon, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024 They are designed to promote certain goals such as economic development, innovation, and supporting underrepresented groups in business. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for support 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for support
Noun
  • President Florentino Perez didn't take that opportunity, and ahead of the January transfer window opening in a few weeks, Madrid is reportedly closing in on a defensive reinforcement.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Experts recommend positive reinforcement strategies for better results.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The bill authorizes the expansion of U.S. military resources to assist with migrant interdiction on the border with Mexico and expands U.S. assistance to Israel -- core Republican priorities.
    Democrat-Gazette stafffrom wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Specific services offered are medical aid, addiction treatment, mental health support, career assistance, independent living skills, vocational services, peer support services and social activities.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Leverage mentors and sponsors: Cultivate relationships with individuals who can advocate for your growth and offer guidance.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • This victory is not only a significant moment for Jackson but also for Kardashian, who has been advocating for the release of wrongfully incarcerated individuals for years.
    Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • House Republicans have doubled down on their commitment to maintain the McCarthy-Biden agreement's defense spending levels, resisting calls to exceed the cap.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US and encompassed under the Taliban umbrella, the network maintains its own distinct lines of operation, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • With the help of American biologist Lynn Margulis, however, Lovelock would develop and sustain the idea that organic and inorganic elements of the planet contributed to a global, self-regulating being.
    Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The suspect sustained life-threatening injuries and has since died at the hospital, Wilson said Sunday afternoon, adding that the homeowner is cooperating with police.
    Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Mike Lipps reinforces this at Medallia with his six-question framework that comes from Patrick Lencioni’s The Advantage, which asks: What’s our purpose?
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • This approach shows empathy while reinforcing their independence. 6.
    Amy Morin, Contributor, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Their grievances justify lawbreaking, havoc, rampage.
    Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Some of the book’s sweeping claims seem not entirely justified by the evidence.
    Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The department will also try to notify your property manager and then send an inspector to your home to verify the claim.
    Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but has contacted the Kremlin for comment.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near support

Cite this Entry

“Support.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/support. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on support

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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