Synonyms for

Supportive

Verb / sʌˈpɔ:rtɪv / Another word for supportive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

giving help or encouragement; providing emotional or physical support

Synonyms & similar words

unsupportive encouraging helpful caring sympathetic understanding nurturing uplifting aiding assisting fostering guiding protective reassuring sustaining affirmative approving backing constructive positive reinforcing

Synonyms by register

Formal

encouraging assisting sustaining advocating

Informal

backing cheering rooting for on your side

Literary

benevolent solicitous nurturing

Antonyms

unsupportive critical opposing hostile disapproving neglectful indifferent

Common collocations

  • supportive environment
  • supportive role
  • supportive partner
  • supportive friend
  • supportive community
  • supportive feedback
  • supportive relationship

Word family

noun support
verb support
adjective supportive
adverb supportively

Usage note

This word often implies emotional or practical assistance. It is generally positive and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. My teacher is very supportive of my learning.
  2. My friends are always supportive when I have a problem.
  3. I feel more confident when someone is supportive of me.
  4. It's important to be supportive of your teammates.
  5. My parents are always supportive of my dreams.

Quotes

  • 'We all need someone who inspires us to do better than we know how.' - Anonymous
  • 'A true friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else.' - Len Wein
  • 'Supportive relationships with others are important to our overall well-being.' - Dr. David Satcher

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