Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

give a leg up

VERB
advocate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back campaign for defend encourage favor further justify press for promote propose push recommend support tout uphold urge
STRONG
advance advise bless bolster boost champion countenance plug side vindicate
WEAK
argue for be in corner brace up build up get on bandwagon give a lift go for go to bat for go with hold with plead for plump for ride shotgun for root for run interference for say so speak for spread around stump for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block conceal condemn deny disapprove discourage dissuade hide hinder hurt oppose refuse reject
STRONG
decrease halt prevent undermine
WEAK
assail attack criticize impugn protest
VERB
assist
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aid back benefit boost cooperate expedite facilitate reinforce support sustain take care of
STRONG
abet collaborate further hype plug puff push relieve serve stump thump
WEAK
bail out do for give a boost give a lift go down the line for go for go to bat for go with grease the wheels lend a hand make a pitch for open doors put on the map ride shotgun root for run interference for stand up for work for work with
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block check delay discourage halt handicap hinder hurt impede injure obstruct prevent stop undermine
STRONG
conceal frustrate hide
WEAK
thwart
VERB
back
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate assist encourage endorse favor finance side with sponsor uphold
STRONG
abet ally angel bankroll boost champion countenance grubstake sanction second stake subsidize sustain underwrite
WEAK
abide by give a boost give a lift go to bat for stand behind stick by stick up for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disapprove discourage hinder hurt oppose protest thwart
STRONG
halt prevent refuse
WEAK
advance dissuade go forward
VERB
encourage
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate aid assist bolster boost develop ease favor further improve invite promote reassure reinforce spur strengthen subsidize support
STRONG
abet advance approve back befriend brace comfort console countenance endorse fortify forward foster instigate prevail push relieve sanction second serve solace succor sustain uphold
WEAK
back up egg on get behind go for pat on the back pull for root for side with smile upon subscribe to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block cease decrease disapprove discourage dishearten dissuade halt hinder hurt impede injure obstruct oppose prevent protest reject stop thwart undermine weaken worsen
STRONG
annoy condemn disagree ignore neglect refuse trouble upset worry
WEAK
confuse dampen deject depress deter dispirit uninspire
VERB
support
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back encourage finance fund maintain raise set up sponsor strengthen subsidize uphold
STRONG
angel bankroll chaperon cherish feed fortify foster guard keep nourish nurse prop stake stiffen stroke succor sustain underwrite
WEAK
attend to be a source of strength bring up buoy up care for earn one's keep keep an eye on look after make a living pay expenses of pay for pick up the check put up money for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclude depress discourage dissuade finish hurt ignore neglect take weaken
STRONG
abandon starve
WEAK
contradict disapprove let down let go oppose refuse reject release

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.

Merri Howard, an Emmy-nominated producer known for her work on “Star Trek” and “Little Fires Everywhere,” said it’s satisfying to give a leg up to people with difficult pasts.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2023

Hoping to address the racial gap in Seattle homeownership, nonprofit lender HomeSight Washington launched a financial assistance program in November to give a leg up to Black residents looking to buy their first home.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 17, 2022

Eggers, of course, means to use his celebrity platform to give a leg up to a worthy unknown, which is commendable but faintly discomfiting.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2018

Put another way, informational interviews give a leg up to people who don’t need a leg up.

From Slate • Feb. 17, 2016

Now, old girl, if you'll give a leg up we'll go and see how the infant is lookin'.'

From The Parts Men Play by Baxter, Arthur Beverley