1
as in sustained
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
used additional beams to bolster the ceiling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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
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Five officers responding to the crash site were also transported to a local hospital for treatment related to injuries sustained during the rescue operation, Loredo Police Public Information Officer Jose Espinoza told CNN.—
Diego Mendoza,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
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Donni is another label synonymous with the style—its taffeta cargo pant has sustained popularity in certain corners of the internet.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
17 June 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The endeavor was supported by the Taiwanese government.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
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Hughton supported Addo at the previous World Cup in 2022 before taking charge of the team for the AFCON in Ivory Coast in early 2024.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Moreover, the federal government has consistently upheld Tohono O’odham land rights.—
Geraldo L. Cadava,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Bolstered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstered. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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