supporter
Americannoun
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a person or thing that supports.
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an adherent, follower, backer, or advocate.
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a device, usually of elastic cotton webbing, for supporting some part of the body, especially a jockstrap.
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a garter, especially one attached to a garter belt or girdle.
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Heraldry. either of two human or animal figures flanking and supporting an escutcheon in an achievement of arms.
noun
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a person who or thing that acts as a support
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a person who backs a sports team, politician, etc
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a garment or device worn to ease the strain on or restrict the movement of a bodily structure or part
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heraldry a figure or beast in a coat of arms depicted as holding up the shield
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."
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.
Raman, in turn, was a Bass supporter two years earlier, when she faced real estate developer Rick Caruso.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
I found online memes from Amar Shergill — a Steyer supporter and activist I respect who formerly chaired the California Democratic Party’s Progressive Caucus — including his charts comparing the Democratic field.
From Salon • May 6, 2026
The supporter was apprehended at the Premier League fixture between the sides at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, which finished 3-3.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Over three days of testimony last week, Musk portrayed himself as a selfless early supporter of OpenAI, saying he contributed $38 million between 2016 and 2020 before being sidelined.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
Several weeks after that, a pro-suffrage minority report, signed by Woodhull’s main supporter, Butler, and Representative William Loughridge, from Iowa, supported the petition.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
