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Definition of supporting

supporting

/səˈpɔːr.tɪŋ/
sup · port · ing
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supporting Lexical Profile

supporting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having an important but secondary role in a film, play, or television production.

Example

"She won an award for her performance as a supporting actress in the historical drama."

2

Serving to corroborate, substantiate, or prove the truth of a claim, argument, or statement.

Example

"Please attach all supporting documents to your application before submitting it."

3

Bearing the physical weight of a structure or part from below.

Example

"The architect warned us against removing the supporting wall in the hallway."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for supporting
Antonyms
View all antonyms for supporting

Word Nuance & Usage

'Supporting' is used primarily before a noun for structural or secondary roles (e.g., 'supporting wall', 'supporting actor', 'supporting evidence'), whereas 'supportive' describes a person or environment that provides emotional encouragement and sympathy.

• Rhymes for supporting

• Nearby Words

support
supportable
supporter
supporting
supportive
supportively
supportiveness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'support' (from Old French 'supporter' and Latin 'supportare', meaning 'to carry or bring up from below') plus the participial suffix '-ing'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Supporting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/supporting
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