Synonyms

root for

Idioms

Cheer on, give moral support to, as in The fans were out rooting for their team, or I've been rooting for you to get that promotion. This expression may come from the British verb rout, which is used of cattle and means “bellow.” [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

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root for

While one fan shouts criticism at an official’s call at Mira Costa High, Grandma and Grandpa Reis calmly and confidently root for their grandsons, Christian, a running back, and Weston, a linebacker.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

Viewers who often get frustrated with the faithful and root for them to uncover a traitor had their wish firmly Richard E Grant-ed on Thursday, as the actor was banished in a landslide vote.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

I am a queer man, and I root for the New England Patriots, which I have done for a quarter century from 300 miles away, in the heart of Philadelphia Eagles country.

From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026

However, Mr. Starritt keeps his leads center stage and ensures that throughout their professional trials and personal ordeals they remain captivating presences and sympathetic enough to root for.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

While Mrs. Hall tells them both to cool off and points out to Max that it’s foolish to root for a fight, Mrs. Silver waves me toward the door.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

root for

Example Sentences

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