View synonyms for support

support

[ suh-pawrt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for:
Don’t take down this dividing wall, as it supports the roof.
to sustain or withstand (weight, pressure, strain, speed, etc.) without giving way:
The specs on this folding chair say it can support up to 200 pounds.
The circuit breaker was not able to support the electrical requirements of three appliances.
to encourage, comfort, help, etc., under trial or affliction; sustain:
They supported him throughout his ordeal.
to maintain (a person, family, establishment, institution, etc.) by supplying with things necessary to existence; provide for:
It is next to impossible to support a family on such a low salary.
to give financial assistance to (a person, organization, program, etc.); be a contributor to or patron of:
I try to support the local theater by buying season tickets every year.
Our scholarship fund supports a number of students from lower-income families.
Computers. (of a manufacturer) to provide regular updates, troubleshooting, service, etc., for (a program or device):
They’re no longer supporting this version of the operating system.
to uphold (a person, cause, policy, etc.) by aid, public approval, one's vote, etc.; back; second:
He was unable to support the resolution, but did not speak out against it either.
Which candidate do you support in the City Council race?
to maintain or advocate (a theory, principle, etc.):
Many viewers support the theory that the housekeeper will turn out to be the murderer.
to corroborate (a statement, opinion, etc.):
Leading doctors supported his testimony.
to act with or second (a lead performer); assist in performance:
The star was supported by a talented newcomer.
to undergo or endure, especially with patience or submission; tolerate:
How do you support the constant drama in this office?
Synonyms: stomach, stand, bear, suffer

noun

the act or an instance of sustaining, upholding, helping, advocating for, etc.:
Without emotional support I would never have made it through.
Support for the party is growing among younger voters.
something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay:
Those L-brackets are the supports for the shelf.
maintenance, such as of a person or family, with necessities, means, or funds:
He paid for the support of the orphans until they completed their education.
Synonyms: keep, subsistence, sustenance
a person or thing that supports, as financially:
The pension was his only support.
a person or thing that gives aid, encouragement, etc.:
You have been such a support to me over this challenging time.
The revised edition also includes updated daily lesson plans, sample tests, and other curricular supports.
Digital Technology. a department, team, or individual that offers troubleshooting, instruction, assistance, etc., to users:
If you’re still having trouble signing in, contact support at the number below.
Computers. regular updates, troubleshooting, service, etc., by a manufacturer for a piece of software or hardware:
Support for this application has been withdrawn.
an actor, actress, or group performing with a lead performer.
the material, such as canvas or wood, on which a picture is painted.
Stock Exchange. support level.

adjective

serving to assist, such as by providing instruction or solving problems, managing administrative tasks, supplementing the activities of colleagues, etc.:
Teachers are calling for smaller class sizes and more support personnel in the classroom.
You will be acting in a support role to the executive director.
(of socks or stockings) made with elasticized fibers so as to fit snugly on the legs, thereby aiding circulation, relieving fatigue, etc.:
She wears support stockings for varicose veins.

support

/ səˈpɔːt /

verb

to carry the weight of
to bear or withstand (pressure, weight, etc)
to provide the necessities of life for (a family, person, etc)
to tend to establish (a theory, statement, etc) by providing new facts; substantiate
to speak in favour of (a motion)
to give aid or courage to
to give approval to (a cause, principle, etc); subscribe to
to support a political candidature
to endure with forbearance
I will no longer support bad behaviour
to give strength to; maintain
to support a business
tr (in a concert) to perform earlier than (the main attraction)
films theatre
1. to play a subordinate role to
2. to accompany (the feature) in a film programme
to act or perform (a role or character)

noun

the act of supporting or the condition of being supported
a thing that bears the weight or part of the weight of a construction
a person who or thing that furnishes aid
the means of maintenance of a family, person, etc
a band or entertainer not topping the bill
the support
an actor or group of actors playing subordinate roles
med an appliance worn to ease the strain on an injured bodily structure or part
the solid material on which a painting is executed, such as canvas
See athletic support

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Derived Forms

supˈportless, adjective

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Other Words From

sup·port·ing·ly adverb
non·sup·port·ing adjective
pre·sup·port noun verb (used with object)
pro·sup·port adjective
qua·si-sup·port·ed adjective
un·der·sup·port noun
un·sup·port·ed adjective
un·sup·port·ed·ly adverb
un·sup·port·ing adjective
well-sup·port·ed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of support¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) Middle English supporten, from Middle French supporter, from Medieval Latin supportāre “to endure” ( Latin: “to convey”), from sup- sup- + portāre “to carry” ( port ⁵ ); noun derivative of the verb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of support¹

C14: from Old French supporter, from Latin supportāre to bring, from sub- up + portāre to carry

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Example Sentences

In the same year, she also faced criticism for her perceived support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, seen as a key Russian ally.

From BBC

“One of the nice things about the race in Long Beach, it’s been there, and the city and the people have supported it,” Penske said.

From Los Angeles Times

Sierra Club founder John Muir rhapsodized about the purity of wilderness, supporting the push to protect Yosemite’s lands from the “dirty” influence of the native tribes who inhabited it.

From Salon

Although it has since moderated, inflation remains a key issue for voters, with many citing dissatisfaction with rising prices as a factor in their support for Trump.

From Salon

In 2016, Hillary Clinton, while accepting the nomination in Philadelphia, told the Democratic convention that if you had supported the party of Reagan, you were with the Democrats.

From Salon

Related Words

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When To Use

What are other ways to say support?

To support something, as a structure or heavy load, is to bear it or hold it up. To support a person is to supply them with things necessary to existence, or to keep their spirits or courage up under trial or affliction. How is support different from maintain, sustain, and uphold? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

supply teacher supportable

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