supportive

American  

[suh-pawr-tiv, -pohr-] / səˈpɔr tɪv, -ˈpoʊr- /

adjective

1. giving support.

2. providing sympathy or encouragement.

   His family was supportive of his attempts to be a writer.

3. providing additional help, information, etc.; auxiliary.

   manufacturers of supportive materials.

4. Medicine/Medical. helping to maintain a normal physiological balance, as by the intravenous administration of required nutriment.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonsupportive adjective
• supportiveness noun
• unsupportive adjective

Etymology

Origin of supportive

First recorded in 1585–95; support + -ive

Example Sentences

“The NFL is committed to providing a fair and supportive environment for all of its game officials,” the league said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

While some see the joint custody bill as a way to solve such controversies, not everyone is supportive of the revision.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Of course, the argument that valuation multiples are supportive may evaporate if earnings crater.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

When community members aren’t arguing, the vibe is generally extremely supportive and fraternal.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

In the end, nothing came of the allegations; she felt her parents weren’t supportive.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel