1
as in pillars
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
if you don't add a couple more supports to that tower of blocks, it's going to fall down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in assists
an act or instance of helping
the team's victory owes a lot to Joe's strong support in left field
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in endorses
to promote the interests or cause of
though childless themselves, they support the local schools both by volunteering and by fiercely opposing funding cuts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in maintains
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
as in sustains
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
pillars supporting the bridge
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in reinforces
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
5
as in defends
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
we support the students' right to speak out on local issues that affect them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in confirms
to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of
new evidence supports the original researchers' unexpected conclusions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in aids
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
sent reinforcements to support the troops deployed overseas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in accepts
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
he simply cannot support the thought of having to go on living without his beloved wife at his side
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 supports
Nina Bandelj, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
Install stakes, cages, wire grids, or other supports before the blooms open.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
Options for the Chocolate included an off-grid version instead of the default configuration with a RV hookup, and buyers could lower the cost by opting for the Lift&Go frame only (no trailer and detachable supports).
—Stefan Ionescu
june 04, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
In another Amsterdam photo, a pair of identical world globes, recalling Ghirri’s passion for cartography and atlases, rest on matching supports to conjure that oldest of surrealist tropes, a pair of staring eyes.
—James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
During the restoration assessment process, experts and conservators have discovered corrosion affecting some internal metal supports beneath the fiberglass exterior.
—Brian Unger, CBS News, 1 June 2026
But O’Connell cites research showing that in organizations where gender diversity is actively prioritized—through mentorship and other structural supports—women’s ambitions are protected.
—Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The network provides access to the internet to those in areas where other means of connection is scarce, as well as supports in-flight WiFi and direct to cell service on some carriers.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Key Takeaways Zinc supports processes involved in blood vessel relaxation, antioxidant defense, and inflammation.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
With the We’Raw technology, Isko provides a product that preserves the authentic raw aspects of denim—including color and shrinkage—and supports brands’ cut-and-sew approach.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
As the moon joins forces with Neptune, inspiration returns in flashes, but its sextile to Uranus supports fresh ideas, emotional breakthroughs and the courage to try something new.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The Estonian leader said the Baltic country supports Ukraine’s bids to join the EU and NATO.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
Rather, the independent events copy each other’s formats and operate as a grassroots ecosystem that supports local music.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
The fundraiser also supports the nonprofit’s programs to conserve wild coastlines and wildlife in California and beyond.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
The robot also includes a UART interface that supports co-processors, such as a Raspberry Pi.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Everyone supports and uplifts each other.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026
Noun
Also, concerns of declining mental health of children are real, and challenges of supporting children with special needs are being amplified with removal of social safety net supports.
—Nina Bandelj, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
Install stakes, cages, wire grids, or other supports before the blooms open.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
Options for the Chocolate included an off-grid version instead of the default configuration with a RV hookup, and buyers could lower the cost by opting for the Lift&Go frame only (no trailer and detachable supports).
—Stefan Ionescu
june 04, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
In another Amsterdam photo, a pair of identical world globes, recalling Ghirri’s passion for cartography and atlases, rest on matching supports to conjure that oldest of surrealist tropes, a pair of staring eyes.
—James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
During the restoration assessment process, experts and conservators have discovered corrosion affecting some internal metal supports beneath the fiberglass exterior.
—Brian Unger, CBS News, 1 June 2026
But O’Connell cites research showing that in organizations where gender diversity is actively prioritized—through mentorship and other structural supports—women’s ambitions are protected.
—Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The network provides access to the internet to those in areas where other means of connection is scarce, as well as supports in-flight WiFi and direct to cell service on some carriers.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Key Takeaways Zinc supports processes involved in blood vessel relaxation, antioxidant defense, and inflammation.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
Verb
Paige Sterling, a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, said the mayor has worked hard to build affordable housing in the city and supports the construction of more, including in Venice.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
With the We’Raw technology, Isko provides a product that preserves the authentic raw aspects of denim—including color and shrinkage—and supports brands’ cut-and-sew approach.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
As the moon joins forces with Neptune, inspiration returns in flashes, but its sextile to Uranus supports fresh ideas, emotional breakthroughs and the courage to try something new.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The Estonian leader said the Baltic country supports Ukraine’s bids to join the EU and NATO.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
Rather, the independent events copy each other’s formats and operate as a grassroots ecosystem that supports local music.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
The fundraiser also supports the nonprofit’s programs to conserve wild coastlines and wildlife in California and beyond.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
The robot also includes a UART interface that supports co-processors, such as a Raspberry Pi.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Everyone supports and uplifts each other.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supports
Noun
-
Elsewhere, three pillars of the theatre community — André Bishop, Jules Fisher, and James Lapine — each received the 2026 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
-
Lectra’s solutions support each of these pillars individually while connecting all stages of the garment lifecycle through centralized data and integrated workflows.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Cameron Brink tied her season high with 16 points (14 in the first half), and Dearica Hamby added 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals as the Sparks won for the fourth time in their past five games.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
30 May 2026
-
Dearica Hamby added 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Seehorn endorses it with the fervor of someone who has seen both sides.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
2 June 2026
-
Stacey Abrams endorses Josh McLaurin for lieutenant governor.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
The upswing in Colorado’s discipline wasn’t seen to the same degree nationwide, said Jimmy Adams, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, can organization that maintains a nationwide database of teacher license actions.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
-
The Center for Retirement Research maintains a National Retirement Risk Index, which estimates how many workers are at risk of not keeping up their standard of living in retirement.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
That sentiment sustains the structural shift toward broader individual participation that has defined the past several years.—
Harry Temkin,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Feeding the orbs To test how LiPfe sustains itself, Jobson’s team exposed its explants to isotopically labeled amino acids and ammonium.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
From your perspective, what distinguishes the kind of conflict that deepens a story from one that just reinforces division?—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
The Living Room bar has an undeniable energy and reinforces the hotel’s identity as a lifestyle hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
If Wembanyama defends Hart, this will be a major series for Towns, who will have either Castle, Vassell or Julian Champagnie guarding him.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
The player who defends the goal and can use their hands inside the penalty area, also commonly called the keeper.—
Tushaar Kuthiala,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
May 15, 2026The Africa CDC confirms an Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and laboratory tests confirm the outbreak is of the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no vaccine.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
The 2026 trial confirms at-home approaches deliver real results without specialized equipment.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Supports.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supports. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
