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

Instead, the Yankees found other ways to bolster their roster. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 The world’s largest law firm is bolstering its deeply rooted government affairs practice in Atlanta as economic development surges in the Southeast and Georgia prepares to elect new leaders, writes Rosie Manins. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 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

Chinese officials condemn American legal hegemony while closely studying the institutions and techniques that sustain it.

— Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
The complaint alleges that the injuries sustained by Duluc were directly due to negligence regarding the height of the netting.

— Madison Lambert, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustain

Verb

Football introduces more students and families to the university and reinforces that a local, affordable higher education option with Division I athletics exists right on the South Side.

— Monique Carroll, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Over the years, Vizard has watched visitors come to the farm to admire the birds, reinforcing her belief that the farm should continue to be used as an open space.

— Tran Chau, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Noun

The letter was sent several days after the NPS released a preliminary assessment that found the arch could have significant adverse effects on the historic structures around it.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Sharkey explains that a slightly thicker outsole cushions each step, which is especially important for people with high arches.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of arch

Verb

Stefan Rittner, senior portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors, said markets were more likely to accept measures that improve productivity, labor supply and long-term growth than spending aimed mainly at supporting consumption.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Reuters — Japan’s government is portraying its accelerating military buildup not only as a way to protect the country but as a route to greater prosperity, arguing in ‌its latest defence white paper that arms production can support economic growth.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

The two brackets, however, arguably bring greater competitive balance, as TAPPS Division II schools range from 249 to 402 students.

— Charles Baggarly August 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026
There are 12 teams in the tournament, divided into two six-team brackets in a double elimination format.

— Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of bracket

Verb

An identical sports risk carries a 51% tax through one legal door and an exchange fee through the other.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
How to prevent mosquito bites in Pittsburgh There are precautions people can take to help prevent mosquito bites, including bites from the species carrying West Nile Virus.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

The Sezioni Unite — the highest rung of the Cassazione — accepted her arguments and overturned previous rulings, including one by a lower tier of the Cassazione which had upheld the minor issue as recently as 2024.

— Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
The state's high court also upheld the Fifth Judicial District Court’s ruling that surveillance video showing Trevizo inside the hospital and any body camera footage captured by police were also not admissible in court.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolster

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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