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Definitions

support

[suh-pawrt] / səˈpɔrt /
NOUN
something that holds up structure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
backing
STRONG
abutment agency back base bed bedding block brace buttress collar column cornerstone device flotation foothold footing foundation fulcrum groundwork guide hold lining means medium pillar platform pole post prop rampart reinforcement rest rib rod shore stake stanchion stave stay stiffener stilt substratum substructure sustentation timber underpinning
Antonyms
WEAK
disapproval discouragement frustration opposition stop
NOUN
help, approval
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aid assistance backing encouragement loyalty protection relief
STRONG
assist blessing championship comfort friendship furtherance hand lift patronage succor sustenance
WEAK
moral support
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hindrance hurt injury
STRONG
ill will stoppage
WEAK
block disapproval discouragement frustration opposition stop
NOUN
food, money, possessions for staying alive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
care payment relief responsibility subsidy
STRONG
alimentation alimony allowance keep livelihood living maintenance necessities nutriment provision stock stores subsistence sustenance upkeep victuals
Antonyms
STRONG
entertainment fun neglect
WEAK
block disapproval discouragement frustration opposition stop
VERB
hold up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bolster hold reinforce uphold
STRONG
base bear bed bottom brace buttress carry cradle crutch embed found ground mainstay poise prop shore shoulder stand stay strut sustain undergird
WEAK
be a foundation for keep from falling keep up shore up upbear
Antonyms
STRONGEST
undermine weaken
STRONG
drop fall let go refuse
WEAK
contradict disapprove let down neglect oppose reject release
VERB
take care of, provide for
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back encourage finance fund maintain raise set up sponsor strengthen subsidize uphold
STRONG
angel bankroll chaperon cherish feed fortify foster guard keep nourish nurse prop stake stiffen stroke succor sustain underwrite
WEAK
attend to be a source of strength bring up buoy up care for earn one's keep give a leg up keep an eye on look after make a living pay expenses of pay for pick up the check put up money for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclude depress discourage dissuade finish hurt ignore neglect take weaken
STRONG
abandon starve
WEAK
contradict disapprove let down let go oppose refuse reject release
VERB
defend, advocate belief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aid approve assist back bolster boost endorse establish help hold justify maintain promote side with uphold
STRONG
abet advance carry champion cheer comfort countenance forward foster second stay substantiate sustain verify
WEAK
agree with bear out boost morale get behind go along with go to bat for keep up plead for pull for put forward rally round stand behind stand up for stick by stick up for take one's side take the part of throw in one's lot with throw in with
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block condemn decrease desert disapprove discourage halt hinder hurt injure invalidate obstruct oppose prevent reject stop undermine
STRONG
disprove impede
WEAK
contradict let down let go neglect refuse release
VERB
endure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abide continue maintain take tolerate
STRONG
bear brook countenance go handle stand stomach submit suffer swallow undergo
WEAK
bear with carry on go through keep up live with put up with stand for stay the course stick it out sweat out wait out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disallow discontinue halt refuse reject stop
STRONG
disagree fight
WEAK
contradict disapprove let down let go neglect oppose release

Usage

What are other ways to say support? To support is to hold up or add strength to, literally or figuratively: The columns support the roof. To maintain is to support so as to preserve intact: to maintain an attitude of defiance. To sustain, a rather elevated word, suggests completeness and adequacy in supporting: The court sustained his claim. Uphold applies especially to supporting or backing another, as in a statement, opinion, or belief: to uphold the rights of a minority.

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.

ANZ analysts expect that business confidence will likely have been weighed down by the war, though improving industrial indicators, including higher utilization rates in cement and steel, should lend support to the manufacturing data.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Lemonis responded with a post suggesting it got some kind of support from the state to offset the extra costs of doing business.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The legal change is expected to create new criminal offences for people who support or promote groups formally listed as state-supported threats.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Ice drilling support is provided by the NSF U.S.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

Morgan Stanley took a cut of the fees off the top and provided him with office space, furniture, and support staff.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing support

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!