bolstered

past tense of bolster
1
as in sustained
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 reinforced
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 bolstered Earlier this year, the state also bolstered its Head Start on Housing program, which offers families rental aid and child care. Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026 Such lifting of sanctions all but guarantees that the Iranian regime will be bolstered mere months after protests brought it to the brink of collapse. Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 June 2026 An opening-night traffic mess probably bolstered their argument. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026 Getting that money would have bolstered SpaceX’s $50 billion war-chest by one-third. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 June 2026 Both sides are in pretty strong position after multiple-goal wins bolstered their group prospects. Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 If the Hurricane Hunter research fleet is not significantly bolstered soon, lawmakers and scientists fear that forecast accuracy will suffer. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 The American media, bolstered by official statements from unnamed officials, suggested Russia was behind the attack. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 15 June 2026 In subsequent weeks, the movie, bolstered by positive word of mouth, has continued to perform well. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstered
Verb
  • Brun’s niece sustained injuries during the shooting that were not life-threatening — a scratch on her belly, said Brun.
    ALULA ALDERSON, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
  • The Department of Licenses and Inspections responded to the scene and condemned the house, which sustained considerable damage.
    Laura Fay, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The ties between Oakland’s Southern transplants and barbecue was reinforced when White was cleaning the home of a great aunt who had just passed away.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
  • For Edwards, the reaction reinforced why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, especially in her field of work.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • Voters in Makerfield, who have been the focus of international media attention during the five-week campaign, were aware their votes carried unusual weight.
    Kwiyeon Ha, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • On Monday, June 22, Kelce's pop star fiancée Taylor Swift supported him for the second year in a row at the kickoff for the event.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • The idea was supported by NASA’s top boss, Jared Isaacman, setting the tone for what could come in the near future.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Moreover, the federal government has consistently upheld Tohono O’odham land rights.
    Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026
  • Iran’s team departs for talks as uncertainty grows Negotiations toward a final agreement will begin once key commitments are upheld, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said.
    Kareem Chehayeb, Fortune, 20 June 2026

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“Bolstered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstered. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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