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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2
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

3
4
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
The incredible supporting cast is made up entirely of old-hand character actors, promising but underknown newcomers, and comedy- or comedy-adjacent figures with passionate niche followings and Gumby-esque limbs. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 June 2026 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
The remaining counts were split between supporting the lifting of the ban and undecided. Brittney Ermon, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Twenty-seven percent showed indifference, however, possibly demonstrating that most voters would be fine supporting them in a general election, said Christian Grose, a political science professor at the University of Southern California. Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 White offered the group an opening slot on his tour supporting Frozen Charlotte. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026 Inevitably, anybody who plays in an offense alongside Chase and Higgins will have to be near perfect in the supporting role. Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Hiller also won an Emmy last year for his supporting role of Joel in Somebody, Somewhere. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 This soft and cuddly mat is perfect for supporting babies during tummy time. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Mercury in your private 12th house sextiles Venus in your 2nd House of Resources, supporting quiet decisions around money, self-worth, and peace. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 Patel, whose company is building infrastructure supporting the AI boom, expects AI agents to go mainstream, allowing demand to continue its explosive growth. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supporting
Adjective
  • The race highlighted how support for Israel is becoming prominent issue in this year's election as more Democrats have become less supportive.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But her kindly and supportive cop boyfriend Nick (Brandon Perea) rightly insists that the duo should perhaps move out of the house when Gemma’s habitual nightmares intensify.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Nate Bailey, the former head of Atlanta’s firefighter union, says he was retaliated against after advocating for better working conditions.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Kathe Conlon, who is advocating for better 9/11 memorial care, helped search for victims on ground zero nearly 25 years ago.
    Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hairstylist Justine Marjan also suggests keeping curly-coily hair slightly wet with water to help with detangling and pulling it back with a wide-tooth comb.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Beijing is a source of crucial economic support for Iran but has walked a cautious diplomatic line amid the US-Iran war, keeping communications open with players on both sides.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For production designer Nina Ruscio, creating that world meant building an emergency department capable of sustaining the series’ relentless pace without ever feeling repetitive.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Highlighting and sharing what others are doing is key to sustaining usage.
    Karen Dahut, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated and acknowledge progress along the way, reinforcing positive habits.
    ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • With fast-frequency response, voltage control, and black-start capabilities, batteries can instantly counter abrupt shifts in supply and demand, reinforcing grid reliability while diversifying income for project owners.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Over the past several years, South Korea has emerged as a world-class military power – not quite on the level of the US or China, but certainly capable of defending itself against North Korea.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • To flip control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold 53 seats, Democrats would have to win four seats while defending a handful of their own.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Smoke events leave residue behind; the guidelines include protocols for flushing spaces and verifying air quality once the event passes.
    Sissi Liu, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • During a visit to Ituri last month, Congo’s Health Minister Roger Kamba said the government is verifying a list of those working to control the outbreak, as names of some doing unrelated work have been added to the payroll.
    Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were assisting, county police said.
    Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office were assisting, county police said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Supporting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supporting. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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