supports
Bears the weight
Supports functions as both verb and noun built around the idea of holding something up or keeping it from falling.
To support a person, cause, or idea is to give assistance, encouragement, or backing: She supports her family on a single income.
As a noun, support refers to the act of supporting or something that provides it—a structural beam, an emotional pillar, or financial aid.
Technical support helps users solve problems with software or devices.
In plural, supports often names physical props or braces: The roof supports need replacing.
Structural support member
- pillarUpright architectural support
- columnVertical structural element
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- buttressArchitectural wall reinforcement
arch · girder · truss · scaffold · joist · brace · rafter · framework
Device providing structural stability
- splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- orthosisExternal body support device
- crutchMobility aid for injured
walker · bandage · sling · corset · prosthesis · compression · stabilizer · truss
Supplying monetary resources
- sponsorshipFunded endorsement arrangement
- backingAid or sponsorship
- grantBestow or award money
- subsidyFinancial assistance from government
donation · investment · endowment · financing · patronage · underwriting · scholarship · fellowship
Support given freely
charity · care · volunteerism · humanitarianism · philanthropy · advocacy · outreach · counseling
Bodily use of food
- nourishmentFood that sustains life
- foodConsumable nourishment source
- provisionsStockpiled food and supplies
- sustenanceMeans of living
hydration · calories · energy · nutrients · diet · feeding · vitamins · minerals
Aid or sponsorship
- approvalFavorable opinion given
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- promotionRank increase or publicity
- recommendationAdvised course of action
championship · defense · validation · allegiance · loyalty · testimony · vouching · ratification
Support spurring continued effort
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
empathy · comfort · morale · validation · praise · empowerment · solidarity · compassion
beam
Structural support member
- pillarUpright architectural support
- columnVertical structural element
- foundationUnderlying support structure
buttress · arch · girder · truss · scaffold · joist · brace · rafter · framework · lintel
brace
Device providing structural stability
- splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- orthosisExternal body support device
crutch · walker · bandage · sling · corset · prosthesis · compression · stabilizer · truss · immobilizer
funding
Supplying monetary resources
- sponsorshipFunded endorsement arrangement
- backingAid or sponsorship
- grantBestow or award money
subsidy · donation · investment · endowment · financing · patronage · underwriting · scholarship · fellowship · contribution
aid
Support given freely
welfare · charity · care · volunteerism · humanitarianism · philanthropy · advocacy · outreach · counseling · guidance
nutrition
Bodily use of food
- nourishmentFood that sustains life
- foodConsumable nourishment source
- provisionsStockpiled food and supplies
sustenance · hydration · calories · energy · nutrients · diet · feeding · vitamins · minerals · proteins
backing
Aid or sponsorship
recommendation · championship · defense · validation · allegiance · loyalty · testimony · vouching · ratification · sanction
encouragement
Support spurring continued effort
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- affirmationPositive statement of truth
reassurance · empathy · comfort · morale · validation · praise · empowerment · solidarity · compassion · understanding
- encouragementencourage, encouraging, praises, hang in there, keep going
- giving backdonates, generosity, volunteering, volunteers, selflessness
- structural safetybracing, reinforcement, load bearing, rebar, buttresses
- structural analysisbeams, trusses, frames, deflection, shear force
- learning supportsscaffolding, scaffolds, modeling, prompts, cues
- gardeninggardener, gardening, flowers, seeds, soil
supportsundermines
Weakens by stealth
collapses · destabilizes · undercuts · topples · weakens
supportsopposes
Acts in resistance
denounces · criticizes · rejects · condemns · resists
supportsdisproves
Shows to be untrue
refutes · contradicts · negates · undermines · invalidates
- life supportSystems maintaining vital functions
- moral supportNon-tangible emotional assistance
- child supportMandated parental financial contribution
- tech supportTroubleshooting service for devices
- emotional supportCompassionate help during distress
- support systemNetwork providing assistance
support, supporter, supported, supporting, supportive, supporters, unsupported, supportable, unsupportable