bolster 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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
The film’s original distributor Tri-Star pulled the film from theaters following outrage from parents, but this move only served to bolster its cult status. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025 And in 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act sent nearly $5 billion to Connecticut, which used the funds to bolster education, housing, human services, economic development and transportation. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
The bolsters have the feel of those high-density sponges your better half uses in the shower. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 This checkerboard bolster pillow looks like if a checkerboard souk rug and a bolster pillow had a baby, combining to a very playful, lighthearted effect. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bolster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster
Verb
  • While no structures were damaged in the fire, firefighters sustained minor injuries.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • One child who had sustained a head injury before the strikes took place died in the evacuation, the religious authority said.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • And the obsequious fealty shown to him by the Republican Party reinforces why a president running amok should never have this much power again.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The wheel arches are somewhat squared off with rugged plastic surrounds to resist damage.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Hayes Skimmers Ballet Flat Made to hug your arches and support the natural alignment of your feet, these square-toe ballet flats belong in your spring wardrobe.
    Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Survivors and community members at Florida State University came together to grieve and support each other at a vigil that drew thousands after two people were killed and more were injured in an April 17 campus shooting.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • This helps centers maximize resource recovery and supports the transition to a circular economy.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Once the bracket is set, the 2025 NBA playoffs will kick off with a bang on Saturday, as eight teams gear up for four thrilling matchups in the first round.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Desmond Bane scored 30 points for the Grizzlies, who dropped into the elimination bracket to await the winner of the Kings-Mavericks game.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The charges carry a combined sentence of 24 to 62 years in prison, Drummond said, and up to $260,000 in fines.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The New York Helicopters chartered chopper, which was carrying a pilot, two adults and three children, fell into the Hudson River by Lower Manhattan in New York City on Thursday afternoon, officials said during a press briefing.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After so much death, the Millers, pillars of the Jackson community, now have a 5-year-old son, Benjamin (Ezra Benedict Agbonkhese).
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In short, science reveals that sleep is a pillar of human overall health.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jena, Louisiana — An immigration judge in Louisiana on Friday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with its effort to deport Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, upholding one of the deportation grounds cited by the government.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • In February 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit largely upheld Judge Failla’s decision, affirming the dismissal of the federal claims.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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