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

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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

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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
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
  • In their 11 matches in all competitions, Arne Slot’s side have scored eight goals in the 83rd minute or later, with those late strikes keeping results on track but masking defensive deficiencies and a lack of coherence, at times, in attack.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • For the first half of her tenure, Engelbert seemed to enjoy a positive relationship with the players, securing major corporate partners, working with the union on a collective-bargaining agreement that looked historic at the time, keeping the league afloat during the COVID pandemic.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her friend and the owner of the car was taken to the hospital after sustaining minor injuries.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Church member Greg Mikat was shot three times, according to the GoFundMe his sister has organized, sustaining injuries to his leg and chest and remains hospitalized, after confronting the gunman.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And, of course, vice versa, reinforcing the disparity for those in peripheral locations.
    Sarah Maokosy, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Each item is intimately tied to the library space, reinforcing Assouline’s belief that a library is not merely a room but a sanctuary for ideas, aesthetics, and meaningful objects.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 3 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
  • The Free Press is still working on verifying other fundraisers related to the attack.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The city encourages residents to have their gardens certified by reputable organizations like the Wildlife Federation and post signs verifying compliance with those organizations’ standards.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2025.

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