bolster 1 of 2

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

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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

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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 prospect of talks appeared to bolster the tentative ceasefire in the Iran war that has staggered under the weight of Israel’s bombardment of Beirut, Tehran’s continued chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over whether talks can find common ground. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Center Eric Reibe could return and potentially compete for a starting spot as a sophomore, though the Huskies will need to bolster the center position through the transfer portal. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
On the Santoku knife, the bolster (where the blade meets the handle) seemed barely seated, and the handle was too short for even my small hands to feel comfortable. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 17 Jan. 2026 Each end is equipped with a removable bolster pillow to create a cozy spot to undo your laces at the end of the day, while the interior cubby is spacious enough to hold anything from vibrant bedding to seasonal decor. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster
Verb
  • Jock Landale was out for the Hawks with a right high ankle sprain sustained during Atlanta's 130-101 win against Orlando on Wednesday night.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Those developments were enough to sustain cautious investor optimism on Wall Street.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Further reinforcing the overlap, businesses and residents increasingly are fleeing high taxes and prices in Illinois for a lower cost of living in Indiana.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • It's formulated with the label's game-changing Alpha Keratin 60KU, which nourishes the scalp, repairs damage, and reinforces hair strength.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The fish also have a hefty arch of bone called the pectoral girdle that supports the musculature needed to make the climb.
    Ari Daniel, NPR, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The Natural Bridge in Virginia is a 215-foot-tall natural limestone arch that George Washington once surveyed.
    Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Even if Orbán were to lose the election, Europe’s ability to support Ukraine ultimately depends on the United States, not Hungary, and Washington is drifting in another direction.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Ismael Ox Ox is supported by a loyal community of friends and athletes he's managed to build in his new home.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After throwing back-to-back no-hitters versus Rio Mesa and Los Altos on Wednesday to lift the Vikings into the top bracket, Valbuena was not in the circle in the seventh-place game against Anaheim Canyon, but her twin sister, Avi, hit an RBI double to tie it in the top of the seventh.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
  • In his March Madness brackets, Obama has the Arizona Wildcats men defeating the Duke Blue Devils (who have already been upset) and UConn's women's team winning it all.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The tanker is believed to have carried approximately 9,000 gallons of gasoline during the crash.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
  • And while vastly underused under Biff Poggi, seeing just 26 carries spanning two seasons (despite posting the highest average rush on the team), Rutledge elected to stay in green and gold and play for Tim Albin.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even the threat of reducing security for the Strait of Hormuz risks shaking confidence in a pillar of the world economy, as well as American wealth and power.
    Gerry Doyle, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Steel support pillars driven into the caves have caused rust and iron pollution in the water, and falling stalactites are making some cenotes unsafe to explore.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But Murray worries about upholding his best friend’s wishes.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Residents attempted to start a referendum process, suing to uphold their right to petition for a public vote on the tax breaks, but were shut down by a Jackson County judge despite collecting about 5,000 signatures.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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