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

And for redness relief, the Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion pairs lightweight rice lipids with ectoin, which work together to bolster the skin barrier in a single use. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 6 July 2026 The Rangers are adding Espinal for his valuable defensive versatility and contact skills, aiming to bolster their infield depth. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Noun

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 The blade is made from high-carbon 440 stainless steel, the handle is magnolia, and the bolster is crafted from natural horn. — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolster

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster

Verb

Such faith can help to sustain residents of Cutud, where poverty and hardship are common.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
Veteran Mathieu van der Poel rode hard and put Jasper Philipsen at the front with 250 meters to go, but Philipsen could not sustain his attack and was overtaken by Merlier.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of sustain

Verb

The discovery of the buckling columns launched a major effort to shore up — or reinforce — the building’s weakest points, with crews using emergency jacks and installing new steel supports.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Ship operators are favoring the Iranian route over the corridor along Oman’s coast, reinforcing the impact of the tanker attacks earlier this week, according to the trade intelligence firm Kpler.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Definition of reinforce

Noun

Trump gleefully tearing up large chunks of the White House and my hometown, trying to install a solipsistic arch, an exclusive golf course, a gargantuan ballroom and a garden of heroes — all to his Versailles-on-acid specifications.

— Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
The platform shoes add extra height, while providing extra cushioning for arch-support and shock absorption.

— Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of arch

Verb

During a 2019-20 artist residency with New York City’s Department of Records and Information Services, Weist mined municipal archives for records revealing how city government had defined, supported and monitored past artists.

— Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Developed by L3Harris Technologies under the Combat Mission Systems Support framework, the system will be operated by the command's Space Delta 3 (DEL 3) – Space Electromagnetic Warfare, with acquisition and sustainment supported by System Delta 89.

— David Szondy July 06, New Atlas, 7 July 2026

Definition of support

Noun

But a report from NC Health News and the Charlotte Ledger noted that half the units would be for those in the 50% AMI bracket and the other half would be at 80%.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Today's stock-market market conversation is dominated by structural dynamics, index machinations and mechanical flows the way World Cup chatter fixates on officiating decisions and bracket construction.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026

Definition of bracket

Noun

The only way to preserve our republic is to strengthen the pillars of our present with the mortar of our past.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
These clips, showing first-person views from drones striking military and logistical sites, have become a pillar of Ukraine’s wartime propaganda efforts to illustrate battlefield successes against Russia.

— Marc Santora, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of pillar

Verb

On the surface, the Supreme Court’s June 30 opinion upholding state laws barring transgender girls from women’s and girl’s sports teams looks like a victory for women’s rights.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a different Texas law requiring that pornographic websites verify users are at least 18 to allow access.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of uphold

Browse Nearby Words

bolshevism

bolster

bolstered

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolster

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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