Another Word for Support: 20 Synonyms with Examples
Support means to hold up, to help or to agree with. As a verb or noun it covers practical, emotional, financial and intellectual backing, so a more exact word often helps.
As a verb: help or encourage
As a verb: agree with or argue for
- back
- endorse
- champion
- advocate
- favour
- uphold
As a verb: give evidence for
- confirm
- corroborate
- bear out
- substantiate
- reinforce
As a noun: help or backing
- help
- assistance
- backing
- encouragement
- aid
- funding
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- back
- Gives support, often public or financial, to a person or plan.
- endorse
- Formally or publicly approves something.
- champion
- Fights hard for a cause or person.
- encourage
- Gives confidence or hope rather than practical help.
- bear out
- Evidence shows a claim to be true.
- reinforce
- Strengthens an idea or argument that already exists.
Example sentences
- back: Most residents backed the plan for a new library.
- endorse: The medical association endorsed the guidance in full.
- champion: She championed better pay for care workers throughout her career.
- encourage: His coach encouraged him to enter the regional final.
- bear out: The sales figures bear out the manager's prediction.
- reinforce: The new evidence reinforces the case for earlier screening.
Opposite of support
- oppose
- undermine
- contradict
- abandon
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “support”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: hold, sustain
noun: reinforcement
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “support”?
The most useful alternatives are “help”, “assist”, “back”, “encourage”, “aid”. For the main sense (help or encourage), “help” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “back” and “endorse”?
back: Gives support, often public or financial, to a person or plan. endorse: Formally or publicly approves something.
What is the opposite of “support”?
Common antonyms are “oppose”, “undermine”, “contradict”, “abandon”.