bolstered

Definition of bolsterednext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The Fire were bolstered by a crowd of almost 20,000 eager to welcome the WNBA back to Portland for the first time in 24 years. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026 And Barcelona only seem set to become stronger, with a young team led by Yamal (out injured for the rest of the season) sure to be bolstered this summer. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 10 May 2026 While hardware sales fell to 110 billion yen in the fourth quarter, compared to 183 billion yen in the same period last year, revenue was bolstered by strong performances in Sony's image sensor and music businesses. Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 8 May 2026 That’s what the Citizens Budget Commission found in a report published this week and bolstered by testimony before the City Council. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026 Senior Oliver O’Donnell said club experiences bolstered his confidence and public speaking skills. Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026 Zippy, smart editing moves us through the story, drawing connections where necessary, bolstered by that ol’ octopus voiceover, and gently guiding us to some major plot points. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 May 2026 For now, consumers have been bolstered by healthy tax refunds, which were lifted by last year’s tax cut legislation, but much of that benefit is being eaten up by higher prices at the pump. Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 The film struck a chord with audiences, bolstered by its sharp humor and memorable performances, and even went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstered
Verb
  • On Wednesday, the Beltline released a new analysis showing that its Planning Area has sustained more than 91,000 jobs and has surpassed the $10 billion private investment goal years before it had been projected at the project's start.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 May 2026
  • The residents sheltering in place during the pandemic hit more deer, left more trash that fed more rats, all of which sustained a bigger pack of coyotes over the past year.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Local authorities formally closed all hiking routes to Mount Dukono in April and reinforced the ban following Friday’s incident.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
  • Standards in science and public health are not abstract ideals; they are shaped and reinforced by the conduct of those in leadership.
    Sam Zeveloff, STAT, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • There are many strains of hantavirus that can be carried by many types of rodents and even bats in some areas, according to de la Sancha.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • The Panthers slowly chipped away, and two of Dillard’s three relays carried them to a third straight girls state championship at the FHSAA 3A state track and field finals at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Friday.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Mancera concluded the post by once again thanking those who had supported her following Kneeland’s death.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
  • The bill, which was supported by nurses, teachers, construction workers and service employees in Connecticut, is one of the biggest victories for organized labor in the state in recent years.
    Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Judges also upheld separate findings that Kim improperly received about 42 million won (about $28,000) in political support tied to vehicle leases and insurance payments during preparations for his election campaign.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026
  • In a 2024 case, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the FDA’s rule allowing mifepristone to be prescribed online and shipped nationwide, ruling that the group that sued over the rule, the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, did not have proper standing to file the legal challenge.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bolstered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstered. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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