“Upholding” is the present participle of the verb “uphold,” which means to support, maintain, or confirm the validity of something. Here are some synonyms and an analysis of each:
1. Supporting
- Analysis: “Supporting” means to give assistance, approval, or comfort to something or someone. For example, “The community was supporting the local charity by donating funds.” It emphasizes the act of providing backing or reinforcement. In comparison to “upholding,” “supporting” is a more general term that can involve various types of help such as financial, emotional, or physical. “Upholding” often implies a more formal or moral support to maintain a principle, law, or standard.
2. Maintaining
- Analysis: “Maintaining” means to keep something in a particular state or condition. For example, “The gardener was maintaining the beauty of the park.” It focuses on the continuous effort to preserve or keep something as it is. In contrast to “upholding,” “maintaining” is more about the upkeep and stability of a thing or situation. “Upholding” can have a stronger connotation of actively standing up for and validating a value, rule, or belief.
3. Defending
- Analysis: “Defending” means to protect something or someone from attack or criticism. For example, “The lawyer was defending his client's rights.” It emphasizes the act of safeguarding and justifying. In comparison to “upholding,” “defending” is more about fending off threats or challenges. “Upholding” can also involve protection, but it's more about the positive affirmation and support of a principle rather than just the act of warding off opposition.
4. Championing
- Analysis: “Championing” means to actively support or fight for a cause or person. For example, “She was championing the rights of the underprivileged.” It has a more enthusiastic and proactive connotation. In comparison to “upholding,” “championing” implies a more energetic and visible advocacy. “Upholding” can be a more behind - the - scenes or institutional support, while “championing” often involves a more vocal and active campaign.
5. Affirming
- Analysis: “Affirming” means to state or confirm the truth or validity of something. For example, “The judge was affirming the legality of the contract.” It emphasizes the act of validating. In comparison to “upholding,” “affirming” is more about the formal confirmation or recognition of a fact or principle. “Upholding” can involve a broader range of actions to support and maintain, while “affirming” is more about the act of declaring something to be correct or valid.
6. Sustaining
- Analysis: “Sustaining” means to keep something in existence or to provide the necessary resources for it to continue. For example, “The rainforest is vital for sustaining life on Earth.” It focuses on the idea of providing the means for something to endure. In comparison to “upholding,” “sustaining” is more about the actual nourishment and maintenance of life, growth, or a system. “Upholding” is more about the moral, legal, or institutional support of values or principles.