BOLSTER Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

bolster 1 of 2

verb

Definition of bolster

as in to sustain

to hold up or serve as a foundation for used additional beams to bolster the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

Bukele is reportedly seeking to deploy more troops to bolster the force and to operate independently of the mission, answering directly to his commander on the ground in Haiti. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 The crescendo of outsider spending and criticisms could help bolster her appeal. — Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 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

Verb

Jeff Stotts, an athletic trainer who runs a site that tracks sports injuries, wrote that since 2005, just one player had sustained a torn labrum like Wallace’s and returned later that season.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
Faster reloading could help vessels sustain their combat readiness during extended operations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of sustain

Verb

The event reinforces our commitment to building a strong, collaborative supply chain that delivers economic growth, innovation and long-term maritime capability in both nations.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese communist party’s central committee, reinforced the criticism through its online commentary platform Renmin Ruiping.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Noun

An arch of roses painted by Messel himself, long hidden beneath layers of paint, has now been carefully revealed and restored as a quiet gesture to the artist, and the spirit, behind the room.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
The arch would be built at the foot of Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River on National Park Service land.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of arch

Verb

More than 120 countries supported the resolution — only three voted against it — Argentina, Israel and the United States.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
The organizers included activist Amy Sousa and commentator Brandi Kruse, who previously helped organize rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

North Crowley is likely to enter the Class 6A Division II bracket, and that could be made official Friday if Duncanville and Waxahachie both win their district games.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
Income brackets rise with inflation, but last year the top 2% of taxpayers earned at least $371,000 for single filers and $743,000 for joint filers.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of bracket

Noun

Matsui, a pillar of the Democratic establishment, has touted her experience in the House and record of delivering federal funding to the region.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
For families There’s a comprehensive Ritz Kids program built around four pillars—nature, exploration, culture, and environment—with eco-workshops, nature walks, and babysitting available.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of pillar

Verb

Courts have reached different conclusions, and state governments want the Supreme Court to uphold their right to impose restrictions on prediction-market gambling.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
The decision upheld the constitutionality of the state's governmental immunity law as applied to wrongful death claims, which Stewart said are barred against governmental entities when the injury arises from a third-party assault or battery.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of uphold

Browse Nearby Words

bolshevism

bolster

bolstered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolster

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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