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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.

Part of the accusation was aimed at a cocker spaniel the Nixons were given by a supporter that his six-year-old daughter Tricia had named Checkers.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

O’Neill is an outspoken supporter of research into the controversial field of anti-aging medicine, with some promising therapies and proposed treatments that are nonetheless plagued by pseudoscience and misleading claims.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

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

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

Equally painful was the fact that Winnie’s father was serving on Matanzima’s council and was an unwavering supporter.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela