prop up

verb

propped up; propping up; props up
Synonyms of prop upnext
1
: to stop (something) from falling or slipping by placing something under or against it
We propped up the beams with long boards.
propped the plant stems up
2
: to give help, encouragement, or support to (someone)
His faith propped him up in times of crisis.

Examples of prop up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The signature smart bed lifts at the head so guests can prop up and watch television, a feature born of pure necessity. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty would prop up the bar when in town around the same era. Nick Scott, Robb Report, 13 June 2026 At the center is Russia’s Africa Corps, formerly Wagner Group — a mercenary network that has propped up President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s government since 2018. Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 12 June 2026 Long flights feel noticeably more relaxing with somewhere to prop up tired feet. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prop up

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prop up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prop%20up. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prop up

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster