supporting 1 of 2

as in supportive
serving to give support to the truth or factualness of something scientists looking for direct supporting evidence of microscopic black holes, the existence of which is theoretical

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

supporting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of support
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as in keeping
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

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as in reinforcing
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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Example 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 supporting
Adjective
Some went after Cashman, some after Boone, some after Steinbrenner’s son Hal, and some after Aaron Judge’s non-supporting cast. Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Sure, that was exacerbated, and to some degree directly caused, by the ample non-supporting cast around him, especially on the offensive line. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Soluble fiber is effective for lowering cholesterol, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, and keeping stools soft and easy to pass. Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2025 Particularly, the problem is acute in remote and low-income regions, which lack continuous electricity and supporting infrastructure needed for large, centralized water treatment facilities. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025 Regular mobility, core-strengthening, and bone-supporting exercises can help improve posture and reduce pain. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025 Thomas Graphics also did $692,000 in business with the American Federation for Children’s political action committee supporting and opposing Texas legislative candidates during the 2024 election cycle, according to state disclosures. Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025 These leather lace-up sneakers have arch-supporting memory foam insoles and flexible outsoles for all-around comfort on long travel days. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025 Slate just earned her first Emmy nomination for her supporting turn opposite Michelle Williams in FX’s Dying for Sex. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025 Beautiful clean coal has been a reliable energy source supporting American communities and economic growth for generations. John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 Since winning the primary in June, Mamdani has taken steps to come toward moderate voters who have been lukewarm in supporting him. Amie Parnes, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supporting
Adjective
  • Teachers, coaches, and parents—once supportive of their students and children choosing to take up the profession of arms—may now hesitate.
    Loree Sutton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Reviewers also state that the woven back and seat are supportive without feeling too stiff.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What follows is Hanke’s account of the administration’s growing interest in advocating the dollarization path, a course of action Milei has been unable to deliver on.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Stuart Buck is executive director of the Good Science Project, a group advocating for less bureaucracy in science funding.
    Carmela Guaglianone, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That might be called keeping your options open, but considering Martin has written comedy and now drama, releases music, writes books, co-hosts a popular podcast and has also started selling their artwork, these ambitions don’t feel lofty.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Relax by the wood-burning stove or in the bath that offers superb vistas of the water—all while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including sheep.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Richardson’s injury wasn’t the only unusual pregame incident the Colts experienced, with cornerback Charvarius Ward sustaining a concussion after colliding with a teammate during warmups.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Armstrong was placed on IR earlier this week, after sustaining a hamstring injury in the loss to Carolina.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It is rooted in the achievements of Abu Dhabi Art and will carry them onto the global stage, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a cultural capital while offering Frieze a unique gateway to the region.
    News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This war has shown the world once again that violence only breeds more violence, and the task before the international community is no longer to imagine peace, but to begin the hard work of reinforcing it.
    Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Still, the positive outlook is that the defending champs are 4-1 with some impressive wins and without having played their best football.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The idea the two-time defending champs are tantamount to underdogs to make history is itself a compelling story -- good for the league.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Currently, members of Clear must scan their fingerprints, eyes, or facial image before verifying their identity a second time with a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025
  • These systems help manage critical processes such as investigating fraudulent activity, resolving account issues, verifying user identities, and preparing reports for regulatory inquiries, all to make sure that customer information is handled with care and appropriate safeguards.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Demanding responsibilities in assisting his mom with bills, helping care for his sisters, bringing order to the house.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Machines are already assisting human researchers in almost every step of that process, but being truly autonomous is still a leap forward.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Supporting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supporting. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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