bolster 1 of 2

verb

Definition of bolsternext
1
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for used additional beams to bolster the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea) a couple of tournament wins would bolster the extravagant claims that have been made on behalf of the young golfer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bolster

2 of 2

noun

as in arch

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bolster
Verb
Ukraine’s general staff said Monday that Russia’s military had bolstered its drone defenses and replenished ammunition supplies in the area during the ceasefire. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 As much as the latter two helped to inaugurate the era of online automotive auction houses by setting new standards for thorough listings and seller engagements, the excitement of real-time bidding in person undoubtedly bolsters values even further. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
Designed with plush ComfyFleece fabric and supportive memory foam, this dog bed gently cushions joints while the wraparound bolster sides create a secure, calming space for rest and relaxation. — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 14 May 2026 The 16-way adjustable sport seats are standard, while performance seats shelled in carbon fiber—presenting more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters—are optionally available. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster
  1. sustain
  2. reinforce
  3. arch
  4. support
  5. bracket
  6. carry
  7. pillar
  8. uphold
Verb
  • Four people sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, Losat said.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The robot’s withdrawal also prompted discussion about the distinction between demonstrating mobility and sustaining it under demanding conditions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of sustain
Verb
  • The formula is acidic and built around citric acid, which helps reinforce the bonds color services weaken, and leaves hair smoother and easier to manage.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Cook was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and continued her campaign through treatment, arguing her experience would reinforce her focus on affordable care access.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of reinforce
Noun
  • Multiple speakers, including some with family members in the cemetery, cited a Washington Post analysis that the arch would cast shadows on thousands of graves.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Judge Chutkan agreed that the local governments are likely to be harmed by the construction of the arch.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of arch
Verb
  • Kurtz also pointed to declines in cities like San Francisco, which is moving to support more sober-living options, housing that bans drugs and alcohol.
    — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
  • However, until recently the US has selectively supported investigations, for instance into war crimes in Darfur and during the Syrian civil war, and – under President Biden – into Russian atrocities in Ukraine.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • For 2027, the federal brackets include seven income tiers, with rates ranging from 10% to 37%.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • One private school, emerging from a bracket apart from public schools, would receive an automatic semifinal berth.
    — Kevin Schmit, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of bracket
Verb
  • The track’s watery percussion and acute synth stabs carry all the implication of a dancefloor, even without a beat.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Ossoff, 39, began the cycle as a top Republican target and the only Senate Democrat running for reelection in a state Trump carried in 2024.
    — Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of carry
Noun
  • Crowley made defending Medicaid funding and preserving affordable housing central pillars of his platform.
    — Maayan Silver, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Beyond reducing cash returns to shareholders, this sharp contraction in buybacks threatens a key pillar supporting tech stock valuations over the long term.
    — , CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of pillar
Verb
  • It was again shown via replay, and this time, after further review, the TD was upheld.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Californians voted via ballot measures to uphold the death penalty in 2012 and 2016.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of uphold

Browse Nearby Words

bolshevism
bolster
bolstered
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Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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