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 move is contentious, with environmentalists supporting the removal, while tribes and horse lovers are heartbroken. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Faulty columns supporting too much weight were to blame for the building’s structural damage, said Berman. Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026 By Variety’s count, 17 performers of color were nominated in the lead and supporting acting races this year, down from 28 last year — a 39% decline. Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 July 2026 The double bass’s low-frequency sound waves help create a balanced sonic spectrum, supporting the higher frequencies produced by other instruments. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026 But if that emotional architecture sometimes feels sturdier than the screenplay supporting it, the visual storytelling almost never does. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 Meanwhile, The Pitt took home three awards, including best drama series, while Noah Wyle won best drama actor and Katherine LaNasa was named best supporting actress in a drama series. Naomi Jeffries, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 In a recent interview on PEOPLE in 10, Chloe opened up about supporting Halle at a screening for her You, Me & Tuscany rom-com in April. Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 The greatest threat to your enterprise AI strategy may not be the maturity of the technology, but the operational weight of the infrastructure supporting it. Sam Rastogi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supporting
Adjective
  • Choose calming, barrier-supportive ingredients – Soothing serums and creams can help to interrupt the inflammatory cascade, especially for those with sensitive skin.
    Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • The Cohesion 18 sneakers are outfitted with a thick, supportive sole that absorbs impact and offers stability, a rubber outsole for traction, and a sockliner to prevent friction burn and blisters.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Ricke stressed that the paper is not advocating for geoengineering.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • The author concludes by urging Americans not to confuse current challenges with a fundamental decline, advocating for faith in the nation's enduring ideals.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Regents overruled a faculty task force, which had found the tests to be predictive of college success across demographics and recommended keeping them.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • The airport recently extended its current lease agreement an extra year, keeping the status quo in place through at least June 30, 2027, while the city hammers out a long-term deal.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Woman died at hospital after sustaining severe injuries Three people were transported to local hospitals with severe injuries, according to police.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Commercializing fusion research NIFS’ achievements in fusion research range from sustaining plasma for 3,268 seconds to reaching temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Doctors in other parts of Venezuela and abroad have stepped up to volunteer for telehealth services, while other aid groups have focused on reinforcing primary care providers and mobile clinics.
    Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 8 July 2026
  • Yet rather than reinforcing Gatorade’s performance credentials, the sponsorship has positioned the brand at the centre of debates around commercialization.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • After the Times story was published, some Platner supporters pointed to Fifield’s political history when defending him against her claims.
    Jake Tapper, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Achieving and verifying high-purity output from secondary feedstocks, rather than virgin mined ore, is a technically demanding problem that has limited the domestic recycling sector for years.
    Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
  • Never send deposits before independently verifying the property owner or management company.
    T.J. Anthony, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • There were 407 traffic stops and 144 traffic services, which includes debris removal, assisting with disabled or hazardous motor vehicles, according to state police on Friday.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2026
  • No one was ever charged with pulling the trigger, but three other men, Paul McIntyre, 58, Peter Cavanagh, 37, and Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, were charged with murder as accomplices for encouraging or assisting the shooter.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Supporting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supporting. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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