| back up(verb, expression, phrasal verb, support, maintain) |
| bear one out(verb, expression, idiom, phrasal verb, support) |
| befriend(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| come to defense of(verb, expression, idiom, phrasal verb, support) |
| contend for |
| counter |
| cover for(verb, expression, phrasal verb, support, maintain) |
| endorse(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| exculpate(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| exonerate(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| explain(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| go to bat for(verb, expression, idiom, phrasal verb, support) |
| guarantee(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| justify(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| make a plea(expression, idiom) |
| plead(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| plead for |
| prove a case(verb, expression, idiom, support, maintain) |
| put in a good word(verb, expression, idiom, support, maintain) |
| rationalize(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |