supporting 1 of 2

Definition of supportingnext
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

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
The Barnstable Brown Gala, held annually ahead of the Kentucky Derby, is known for drawing celebrities and high-profile guests while supporting charitable causes. ABC News, 2 May 2026 Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, one of several key cabinet ministers with close ties in the settler community, has been explicit about his goal of annexing the West Bank and supporting settler expansion. Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 May 2026 And supporting it requires casting a wider net for patients in communities farther away. Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026 Eating yogurt daily can improve your overall health by supporting strong bones, gut health, and immunity. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026 Glatt has credited the couple with supporting him emotionally the last few months. Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026 Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, which delivers a satisfying lather while still prioritizing hydration, thanks to barrier-supporting ingredients like shea butter and the brand’s soothing thermal spring water. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 May 2026 That's in addition to supporting the Colorado Reinsurance Program, which helps cover high-cost claims. Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 May 2026 Snitker was emotional, thanking Ronnie for supporting him in this career for all these decades. Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supporting
Adjective
  • As the intuitive Scorpio Moon harmonizes with expansive Jupiter this morning, kindness and perspective flow naturally, helping conversations feel more open and supportive.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • While the setup is not perfect, any storms that do develop will be in an environment supportive of strong to possibly severe weather, including gusty winds & hail.
    Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Angel Merlos with the Libre Initiative, an organization advocating for economic freedom policies, says the bill is modeled after similar legislation passed in Arizona.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 6 May 2026
  • His career had many milestones, from advocating for Proposition 36 to bringing forth what’s considered by some lawyers as the county’s most complex criminal case in history, stemming from the Esparto fireworks explosion that killed seven people on July 1.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Here, the Sport+ drive mode does a commendable job of keeping the transmission in the meaty parts of the powerband, while dialing the dampers back to Sport achieves the right balance of body control and compliance on these less-than-perfect road surfaces.
    Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • However, the best way to use this week is to practice a star-hop or two, keeping sessions short and focused.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Then Matthew Boyd needed surgery on the meniscus in his left knee this week, sustaining the injury while playing at home with his kids.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • Margaret moved into his battle station and fought bravely, sustaining three gunshot wounds, until the British captured the post.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • This begins with reinforcing clear policies that protect student access to education regardless of immigration status, while expanding counseling, legal resource referrals and family outreach to address fear and confusion related to immigration enforcement.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • Following the downfall of Zhang and his lieutenant in January, an editorial published by the official PLA Daily newspaper accused the two former military leaders of undermining Xi’s ultimate authority while also reinforcing Xi’s message of zero-tolerance on corruption.
    Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Just as significantly, Anunoby spent much of Tuesday night defending Jalen Johnson, the resurgent Hawks’ only All-Star, who finished with a modest 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Then Quentin Davie, the new coach of defending champion Hebron Christian and a close friend, called with an opportunity to join his staff.
    Jack Leo, AJC.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and local election officials will now be tasked with verifying whether the campaign collected enough signatures.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2026
  • The bureau recommends logistics companies take thorough security measures like independently verifying shipment requests and pickups using secondary methods prior to releasing any loads, as well as implementing multi-channel verification for identities.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • However, that excitement soon waned as the city planner who had been assisting with the project left in September.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • Judges in Shenzhen processed 50% more cases last year, a court said, partly with the help of an AI tool assisting judicial processes.
    Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Supporting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supporting. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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