bol·ster | \ ˈbōl-stər 
\
\Definition of bolster
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a long pillow or cushion
2 : a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing (see bearing sense 5)
bolster
verbbolstered; bolstering\ ˈbōl-st(ə-)riŋ \
\Definition of bolster (Entry 2 of 2)
2 : to give a boost to
news that bolstered his spirits
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Other Words from bolster
Verb
bolsterer \ ˈbōl-stər-ər \ noun
\ nounSynonyms for bolster
Synonyms: Verb
- bear,
- brace,
- buttress,
- carry,
- prop (up),
- shore (up),
- stay,
- support,
- sustain,
- undergird,
- underpin,
- uphold
Examples of bolster in a Sentence
Verb
She came with me to bolster my confidence.
a convincing argument that was bolstered by the speaker's reputation
She is thinking of ways to bolster her career.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Nice and sharp out of the box, they’re made using high-carbon German steel, a bolster for support and santoprene handles with full tang, offering fairly even weight distribution.
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Lesley Kennedy, CNN Underscored, "The best kitchen knife sets of 2020," 17 Sep. 2020 Among the provisions in the bill: A $300 bolster to weekly unemployment benefits – reduced from a $600 boost that expired in July – that will run through Dec. 27.
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Christal Hayes, USA TODAY, "Senate set to vote on scaled-down coronavirus relief package even as fate of bill appears bleak," 11 Sep. 2020 The kit includes premium over-ear headphones that connect directly to the revolutionary bolster.
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Popular Science, "This kit delivers an immersive experience for meditating at home," 10 Sep. 2020 Overnight, senior care communities across the state were inundated with requests for in-person visits at all hours of the day, which left facilities scrambling to craft safety protocols and bolster staffing.
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Chris Serres, Star Tribune, "As COVID-19 cases spike, Minnesota families remain locked out of senior homes," 2 Sep. 2020 Square, rectangular, or bolster, patterned or plain, decorative pillows add extra oomph to your bed.
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Emma Bazilian, House Beautiful, "How a Professional Home Stylist Makes the Perfect Bed," 25 June 2020 Each knife in the Modernist 13 Piece Block Set features a bolster for sturdy, balanced cutting.
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Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, "July 4th deals: Wayfair offers up to 70% sales on outdoor, kitchen, bath, bedding, furniture & more," 26 June 2020 Every possible bolster on this seat is adjustable, and the lumbar support even incorporates three small, inflatable bags.
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Michael Jordan, Car and Driver, "Tested: 1982 Toyota Celica GT-S Highlights the Joys of Rear-Wheel Drive," 19 June 2020 The bolsters on the front seats remain large and firm.
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Dave Vanderwerp, Car and Driver, "Tested: 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Begs to Be Driven Hard," 2 Apr. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Lawyers representing election integrity activists told U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg this problem and others bolster their arguments that the voting machines are not secure and aren't ready for use.
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Kate Brumback, Star Tribune, "Lawyers spar over Georgia voting machine glitch, planned fix," 29 Sep. 2020 Democrats see health care as the perfect counter to Republican hopes that Barrett's confirmation will bolster Trump's reelection.
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Arkansas Online, "Court pick Barrett visits Senate ahead of confirmation fight," 29 Sep. 2020 Michael Abate, an attorney for the newspaper, said Wednesday’s decision should bolster the case for releasing the records.
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Washington Post, "Police are using the law to deny the release of records involving use of force, critics claim," 25 Sep. 2020 West Virginia also will bolster testing in the red and orange counties, Justice said.
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Tyler Arnold, Washington Examiner, "Governor grants more leniency to private schools reopening in West Virginia," 24 Sep. 2020 And those behind the new registry effort vow that a successful collaboration will further bolster safety and security in the United States.
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Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Joint push for Caribbean countries to develop a coordinated sex-offender registry announced," 18 Sep. 2020 The less-expensive bill, which lawmakers said should bolster vulnerable party senators during the final stretch of fall campaigning, is expected to get support from at least 51 GOP senators.
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Kristina Peterson And Andrew Duehren, WSJ, "Senate Republicans Unite Around ‘Skinny’ Coronavirus Bill Ahead of Tight Election," 9 Sep. 2020 But Olson believes the text messages only bolster his argument that the commissioners violated state open-meetings law and conspired to oust Stebbins on false pretenses.
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J.d. Morris, SFChronicle.com, "California Public Utilities Commission fires executive director after staffing dispute," 31 Aug. 2020 The city hopes that this project will bolster future bike networks.
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Linnea Lipson, The Denver Post, "Denver to build 125 miles of bike lanes by 2023," 16 Jan. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bolster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for bolster
bolster
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of bolster
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a long bag of cloth completely filled with soft material : a long pillow or cushion
bolster
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of bolster (Entry 2 of 2)
: to make (something) stronger or better : to give support to (something)
See the full definition for bolster in the English Language Learners Dictionary
bolster
nounbol·ster | \ ˈbōl-stər \
\Kids Definition of bolster
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a long pillow or cushion sometimes used to support bed pillows
bolster
verbbolstered; bolstering
Kids Definition of bolster (Entry 2 of 2)
: to support with or as if with a bolster
We tried to bolster their courage.
bolster
transitive verbbol·ster | \ ˈbōl-stər \
Legal Definition of bolster
: to use evidence usually improperly to give weight to (evidence already introduced)
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Time Traveler for bolster
The first known use of bolster was before the 12th century
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