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Synonyms

supporter

American  
[suh-pawr-ter, -pohr-] / səˈpɔr tər, -ˈpoʊr- /

noun

  1. a person or thing that supports.

  2. an adherent, follower, backer, or advocate.

  3. a device, usually of elastic cotton webbing, for supporting some part of the body, especially a jockstrap.

  4. a garter, especially one attached to a garter belt or girdle.

  5. Heraldry. either of two human or animal figures flanking and supporting an escutcheon in an achievement of arms.


supporter British  
/ səˈpɔːtə /

noun

  1. a person who or thing that acts as a support

  2. a person who backs a sports team, politician, etc

  3. a garment or device worn to ease the strain on or restrict the movement of a bodily structure or part

  4. heraldry a figure or beast in a coat of arms depicted as holding up the shield

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of supporter

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; support + -er 1

Explanation

A supporter is someone who's a fan or advocate of a person, group, or cause. During a political speech, it's easy to tell who the candidate's supporters are, because they're cheering and clapping. You can be a supporter of a political party, a public figure, a sports team, or even an idea. If you're a supporter of civil rights, you're also more likely to be a supporter of the candidate who actively advocates for equal protections and opportunities. Supporter is from support and its Latin root, supportare, "carry" or "bring forward."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing supporter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Supporter groups the Galaxians and Galaxy Outlawz protested silently, carrying no drums or trumpets.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2025

Supporter Jaturong Soisri, 28, said the voting day "will decide where our future will lead. We have to unite together".

From Reuters • Jul. 9, 2023

Supporter Colm Lacey saw “children crying, people trapped” outside the entrances.

From Washington Times • May 28, 2022

Supporter Julien Bon said he was joyful with Sunday night’s results.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2022

Allah is sufficient as a Guardian, and Allah is sufficient as a Supporter.

From Three Translations of The Koran (Al-Qur'an) side by side by Ali, Abdullah Yusuf