Support - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT support /səˈpɔrt/ /səˈpɔt/ IPA guide

Other forms: supported; supporting; supports

The verb support means to bear weight or load, or otherwise support. If you build a house with blocks, you can safely remove some of them, but if you remove one that is supporting the weight of the blocks above it, the whole structure can collapse. Timber!

If you agree with or approve of a cause, person, idea, or the like, you support it. If you support a certain charity, you may donate your time or money to the cause. The verb support also means to strengthen with new evidence; to corroborate. When politicians make an argument, they support it by providing "facts and figures." Your job is to figure out whether their evidence has been twisted to support their positions. Good luck.

Definitions of support

noun the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening “he leaned against the wall for support” synonyms: supporting see moresee less types: propping up, shoring, shoring up the act of propping up with shores dangling, hanging, suspension the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely) type of: activity any specific behavior
noun any device that bears the weight of another thing “there was no place to attach supports for a shelf” see moresee less types: show 113 types... hide 113 types... andiron, dog, dog-iron, firedog metal supports for logs in a fireplace arch support a support for the arch of the foot back, backrest a support that you can lean against while sitting backboard a board used to support the back of someone or something baluster one of a number of closely spaced supports for a railing bar a horizontal rod that serves as a support for gymnasts as they perform exercises base, pedestal, stand a support or foundation bearing a rotating support placed between moving parts to allow them to move easily bearing wall any wall supporting a floor or the roof of a building bedpost any of 4 vertical supports at the corners of a bedstead bookend a support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright (on a shelf or table) brace a support that steadies or strengthens something else bracket, wall bracket a support projecting from a wall (as to hold a shelf) bridge a wooden support that holds the strings up foot a support resembling a pedal extremity foothold, footing a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing handrest a support for the hand hanger anything from which something can be hung harness a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute) harp a pair of curved vertical supports for a lampshade headstock the stationary support in a machine or power tool that supports and drives a revolving part (as a chuck or the spindle on a lathe) leg one of the supports for a piece of furniture perch support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird) pier a support for two adjacent bridge spans pier (architecture) a vertical supporting structure (as a portion of wall between two doors or windows) pillow block a cast-iron or steel block for supporting a journal or bearing rack, stand a support for displaying various articles rest a support on which things can be put rib support resembling the rib of an animal rocker a curved support that permits the supported object to rock to and fro seat any support where you can sit (especially the part of a chair or bench etc. on which you sit) shelf a support that consists of a horizontal surface for holding objects radius, spoke, wheel spoke support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim stair, step support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway stirrup, stirrup iron support consisting of metal loops into which rider's feet go gunstock, stock the handle of a handgun or the butt end of a rifle or shotgun or part of the support of a machine gun or artillery gun structural member support that is a constituent part of any structure or building tailstock support consisting of the movable part of a lathe that slides along the bed in alignment with the headstock and is locked into position to support the free end of the workpiece football tee, tee support holding a football on end and above the ground preparatory to the kickoff undercarriage framework that serves as a support for the body of a vehicle yoke support consisting of a wooden frame across the shoulders that enables a person to carry buckets hanging from each end barre a horizontal rod that ballet dancers use as a support as they perform certain exercises angle bracket, angle iron an L-shaped metal bracket ankle brace a brace worn to strengthen the ankle armrest a support for the arm backbench any of the seats occupied by backbenchers in the House of Commons back brace a brace worn to support the back backseat a seat at the back of a vehicle (especially the seat at the back of an automobile) ball bearing, needle bearing, roller bearing bearings containing small metal balls beam long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction balloon seat, bell seat a seat that has a bell shape (on some 18th century chairs) bicycle seat, saddle a seat for the rider of a bicycle bier a stand to support a corpse or a coffin prior to burial boatswain's chair, bosun's chair a seat consisting of a board and a rope; used while working aloft or over the side of a ship bookshelf a shelf on which to keep books brace, bracing a structural member used to stiffen a framework brass monkey a metal stand that formerly held cannon balls on sailing ships bucket seat a low single seat as in cars or planes cantle the back of a saddle seat car seat a seat in a car chair a particular seat in an orchestra chin rest a rest on which a violinist can place the chin clothes hanger, coat hanger, dress hanger a hanger that is shaped like a person's shoulders and used to hang garments on cockpit seat where the driver sits while driving a racing car console an ornamental scroll-shaped bracket (especially one used to support a wall fixture) corbel, truss (architecture) a triangular bracket of brick or stone (usually of slight extent) corbel step, corbie-step, corbiestep, crow step (architecture) a step on the top of a gable wall crossbench any of the seats in the House of Commons used by members who do not vote regularly with either the government or the Opposition cruet-stand a stand for cruets containing various condiments dress rack a rack used primarily to display dresses for sale in a store capsule, ejection seat, ejector seat a pilot's seat in an airplane that can be forcibly ejected in the case of an emergency; then the pilot descends by parachute fifth wheel a steering bearing that enables the front axle of a horse-drawn wagon to rotate front bench any of the front seats in the House of Commons that are reserved for ministers or former ministers headrest a rest for the head hob a shelf beside an open fire where something can be kept warm houdah, howdah a (usually canopied) seat for riding on the back of a camel or elephant journal bearing the bearing of a journal jump seat a folding seat in an automobile knee brace a brace worn to strengthen the knee ladder-back the backrest of a chair that consists of two uprights with connecting slats landing gear an undercarriage that supports the weight of the plane when it is on the ground magazine rack a rack for displaying magazines chimneypiece, mantel, mantelpiece, mantle, mantlepiece shelf that projects from wall above fireplace modillion (architecture) one of a set of ornamental brackets under a cornice music rack, music stand a light stand for holding sheets of printed music neck brace a brace worn to steady the neck overmantel a shelf over a mantelpiece pillion a seat behind the rider of a horse or motorbike etc. pistol grip a handle (as of a gun or saw) shaped like the butt of a pistol plane seat a seat on a commercial airliner plate structural member consisting of a horizontal beam that provides bearing and anchorage riser structural member consisting of the vertical part of a stair or step roost a perch on which domestic fowl rest or sleep rumble a servant's seat (or luggage compartment) in the rear of a carriage rumble seat a folding outside seat in the back of some early cars saddle a seat for the rider of a horse or camel saddle seat a chair seat that is slightly concave and sometimes has a thickened ridge in the center sconce a decorative wall bracket for holding candles or other sources of light screw thread, thread the raised helical rib going around a screw shelf bracket a bracket to support a shelf sill structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure skeg a brace that extends from the rear of the keel to support the rudderpost sliding seat rower's seat that slides fore and aft spice rack a rack for displaying containers filled with spices staddle a base or platform on which hay or corn is stacked strap hanger consisting of a loop of leather suspended from the ceiling of a bus or train; passengers hold onto it thrust bearing a bearing designed to take thrusts parallel to the axis of revolution toehold a small foothold used in climbing tread structural member consisting of the horizontal part of a stair or step tripod a three-legged rack used for support trivet a stand, often with short feet, used under a hot dish on a table trivet a three-legged metal stand for supporting a cooking vessel in a hearth upright, vertical a vertical structural member as a post or stake type of: device an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
noun supporting structure that holds up or provides a foundation “the statue stood on a marble support” see moresee less types: show 12 types... hide 12 types... abutment a masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge architrave the lowest part of an entablature; rests immediately on the capitals of the columns basement the ground floor facade or interior in Renaissance architecture buttress, buttressing a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building base, foot, foundation, fundament, groundwork, substructure, understructure lowest support of a structure footstall, pedestal, plinth an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue) prop a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling bed a foundation of earth or rock supporting a road or railroad track arc-boutant, flying buttress a buttress that stands apart from the main structure and connected to it by an arch pitprop, sprag a wooden prop used to support the roof of a mine raft foundation a foundation (usually on soft ground) consisting of an extended layer of reinforced concrete socle a plain plinth that supports a wall type of: supporting structure a structure that serves to support something
verb be the physical support of; carry the weight of “He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam” synonyms: hold, hold up, sustain see moresee less types: show 13 types... hide 13 types... scaffold provide with a scaffold for support block support, secure, or raise with a block carry bear or be able to bear the weight, pressure,or responsibility of chock support on chocks buoy, buoy up keep afloat pole support on poles bracket support with brackets underpin support from beneath prop, prop up, shore, shore up support by placing against something solid or rigid truss support structurally brace support by bracing bolster prop up with a pillow or bolster tread brace (an archer's bow) by pressing the foot against the center
noun the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities “his support kept the family together” “they gave him emotional support during difficult times” see moresee less types: show 6 types... hide 6 types... maintenance, sustainment, sustenance, sustentation, upkeep the act of sustaining life by food or providing a means of subsistence logistic assistance, logistic support assistance between and within military commands integrated logistic support the pooling of specific resources by subscribing nations for the support of some joint operation international logistic support, mutual aid arrangements made between nations to assist each other interagency support, interdepartmental support provision of logistic (or administrative) support by one or more of the military services to one or more departments or agencies of the United States government inter-service support action by one military service to provide logistic (or administrative) support to another military service type of: activity any specific behavior
noun a military operation (often involving new supplies of men and materiel) to strengthen a military force or aid in the performance of its mission “they called for artillery support” synonyms: reenforcement, reinforcement see moresee less types: close support close-in firing by one unit against an enemy engaged by another unit type of: military operation, operation activity by a military or naval force (as a maneuver or campaign)
noun the financial means whereby one lives “he applied to the state for support” synonyms: bread and butter, keep, livelihood, living, sustenance see moresee less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... amenities, comforts, conveniences, creature comforts things that make you comfortable and at ease maintenance means of maintenance of a family or group meal ticket a source of income or livelihood subsistence minimal (or marginal) resources for subsisting type of: resource available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
noun financial resources provided to make some project possible “the foundation provided support for the experiment” synonyms: backing, financial backing, financial support, funding see moresee less type of: resource available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
noun something providing immaterial assistance to a person or cause or interest “the policy found little public support” “his faith was all the support he needed” “the team enjoyed the support of their fans” see moresee less types: anchor, backbone, keystone, linchpin, lynchpin, mainstay a central cohesive source of support and stability lifeline support that enables people to survive or to continue doing something (often by providing an essential connection) type of: influence a cognitive factor that tends to have an effect on what you do
noun aiding the cause or policy or interests of “the president no longer has the support of his own party” “they developed a scheme of mutual support” see moresee less types: show 18 types... hide 18 types... adherence, adhesion, attachment faithful support for a cause or political party or religion advocacy, protagonism active support of an idea or cause etc.; especially the act of pleading or arguing for something sponsorship the act of sponsoring (either officially or financially) endorsement, indorsement the act of endorsing approval, approving, blessing the formal act of approving reassurance the act of reassuring; restoring someone's confidence acceptance, acceptation, adoption, espousal the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception ecclesiasticism excessive adherence to ecclesiastical forms and activities cabalism, kabbalism adherence to some extreme traditional theological concept or interpretation royalism adherence or attachment to a monarchy or to the principle of monarchal government traditionalism adherence to tradition (especially in cultural or religious matters) backing, backup, championship, patronage the act of providing approval and support drumbeat a vehement and vociferous advocacy of a cause insistence, insistency the act of insisting on something urging the act of earnestly supporting or encouraging aegis, auspices, egis, protection kindly endorsement and guidance admiration, appreciation a favorable judgment reinforcement, reward an act performed to strengthen approved behavior type of: aid, assist, assistance, help the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
verb support materially or financially “The scholarship supported me when I was in college” see moresee less types: show 9 types... hide 9 types... fund furnish money for subsidise, subsidize support through subsidies bring home the bacon, provide supply means of subsistence; earn a living see through support financially through a period of time patronise, patronize, sponsor assume sponsorship of grubstake supply with funds in return for a promised share of profits bankroll provide with sufficient funds; finance absorb, take over take up, as of debts or payments cosponsor sponsor together with another sponsor type of: give transfer possession of something concrete or abstract to somebody
verb give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to “She supported him during the illness” synonyms: back up see moresee less types: show 24 types... hide 24 types... sponsor assume responsibility for or leadership of buy at, frequent, patronise, patronize, shop, shop at, sponsor do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of aid, assist, help give help or assistance; be of service advance, boost, encourage, further, promote contribute to the progress or growth of undergird lend moral support to back, endorse, indorse, second give support or one's approval to empower give someone confidence, strength, and self-determination alleviate, ease, facilitate make easier connive at, wink at give one's silent approval to assist, attend, attend to, serve, wait on work for or be a servant to benefact help as a benefactor help out be of help, as in a particular situation of need subserve be helpful or useful succor, succour help in a difficult situation expedite, hasten speed up the progress of; facilitate avail be of use to, be useful to care, give care provide care for bootstrap help oneself, often through improvised means foster, further promote the growth of spur incite or stimulate help contribute to the furtherance of carry take further or advance feed support or promote conduce, contribute, lead be conducive to
verb be behind; approve of synonyms: back, endorse, indorse, plump for, plunk for back, endorse, indorse, second give support or one's approval to see moresee less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... guarantee, warrant stand behind and guarantee the quality, accuracy, or condition of champion, defend protect or fight for as a champion cover, insure, underwrite protect by insurance certify, endorse, indorse guarantee as meeting a certain standard type of: O.K., approve, okay, sanction give sanction to
verb argue or speak in defense of “She supported the motion to strike” synonyms: defend, fend for see moresee less types: show 6 types... hide 6 types... apologise, apologize, excuse, justify, rationalise, rationalize defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning stand up, stick up defend against attack or criticism uphold stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals color, colour, gloss give a deceptive explanation or excuse for plead offer as an excuse or plea extenuate, mitigate, palliate lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of type of: argue, reason present reasons and arguments
verb be a regular customer or client of synonyms: keep going, patronage, patronise, patronize keep going, run on continue uninterrupted see moresee less type of: foster, nurture help develop, help grow
noun documentary validation “the strongest support for this view is the work of Jones” synonyms: documentation see moresee less type of: proof, substantiation, validation the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something
verb establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts “The evidence supports the defendant” synonyms: affirm, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, sustain see moresee less types: show 14 types... hide 14 types... back, back up establish as valid or genuine vouch give supporting evidence verify confirm the truth of demonstrate, establish, prove, shew, show establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment document support or supply with references validate prove valid; show or confirm the validity of something check, check off, mark, mark off, tick, tick off put a check mark on or near or next to ascertain, assure, check, control, ensure, insure, see, see to it be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something check verify by consulting a source or authority prove oneself show one's ability or courage prove prove formally; demonstrate by a mathematical, formal proof source specify the origin of contradict, negate prove negative; show to be false stultify prove to be of unsound mind or demonstrate someone's incompetence
verb support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm synonyms: bear out, corroborate, underpin see moresee less type of: agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally be compatible, similar, or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
verb play a subordinate role to (another performer) “Olivier supported Gielgud beautifully in the second act” see moresee less type of: act, play, represent play a role or part
noun a musical part (vocal or instrumental) that supports or provides background for other musical parts synonyms: accompaniment, backup, musical accompaniment see moresee less types: descant, discant a decorative musical accompaniment (often improvised) added above a basic melody vamp an improvised musical accompaniment type of: part, voice the melody carried by a particular voice or instrument in polyphonic music
verb adopt as a belief synonyms: subscribe see moresee less type of: agree, concord, concur, hold be in accord; be in agreement
verb put up with something or somebody unpleasant synonyms: abide, bear, brook, digest, endure, put up, stand, stick out, stomach, suffer, tolerate suffer experience (emotional) pain see moresee less types: show 8 types... hide 8 types... accept, live with, swallow tolerate or accommodate oneself to hold still for, stand for tolerate or bear bear up endure cheerfully take lying down suffer without protest; suffer or endure passively take a joke listen to a joke at one's own expense sit out endure to the end pay bear (a cost or penalty), in recompense for some action get one's lumps, take one's lumps suffer the results or consequences of one's behavior or actions type of: allow, countenance, let, permit consent to, give permission

Pronunciation US /səˈpɔrt/ UK /səˈpɔt/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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