BOLSTERING Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

bolstering

verb

present participle of bolster

as in sustaining

to hold up or serve as a foundation for used additional beams to bolster the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in reinforcing

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 bolstering The Chicago Blackhawks opened training camp with three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane back on the roster, bolstering their own hopes of returning to the postseason. — Matt Zahn, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 The Mets initially brought in Young on a one-year, major-league contract in December of 2024 with an eye on bolstering the club’s depth. — New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026 Then, assign every dollar that hits your bank account a job, whether that is covering bills or rent, bolstering your emergency fund or paying off student loans. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 16 Sep. 2026 China reported downbeat consumption and investment figures, bolstering economists’ calls for fiscal stimulus to drive growth in the world’s second-biggest economy. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Many prioritized bolstering a clinical workforce for rural areas and investing in technology to make care more efficient and accessible, according to a review from the Bipartisan Policy Center. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 14 Sep. 2026 Many sources The Athletic spoke to for this story believe the guardrails around young players need bolstering. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Fate can also take a hand, with unforeseen developments bolstering one combatant’s negotiating position. — John R. Bolton, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026 The United States added 162,000 jobs in August, more than double what a consensus of economists had expected, bolstering confidence that the economy remains on solid footing. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering

Verb

The Aggies' leading tackler, Harrison Taggart, was taken off in an ambulance in the first half after sustaining what appeared to be a head injury.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Two adults were injured, and 16 children were hurt, with one child sustaining serious injuries and being airlifted from the crash to Birmingham, Ala.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Verb

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Tuesday that soldiers from an engineering regiment were reinforcing border guard infrastructure along the Polish-Ukrainian frontier.

— Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
Leaders are responsible for modeling those behaviors, setting clear expectations and reinforcing them through coaching and feedback.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of reinforcing

Verb

Ethiopia has also accused Eritrea of supporting rebel groups operating inside Ethiopian territory.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
The supporting actress placement also puts Hathaway in a category that, at least this early in the season, looks less crowded than the lead actress race.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

This one moved from *NSYNC and Drake to Usher and Kool & the Gang, with brass filling stadiums and drumlines carrying the energy long after the opening kick of Week 3 in HBCU football.

— Wilton Jackson, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Last month, Customs Air and Marine Operations agents stopped a boat about 22 nautical miles from Miami-Dade County carrying 19 people from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of carrying

Verb

Kathleen Lord-Jones, an aviation cabin safety expert from Robson Forensic, explained the meticulous process of upholding food safety practices, from kitchen to tray table.

— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2026
And neither were the co-hosts, who felt their fun, feel-good, not-that-serious event was suddenly being accused of upholding white supremacy.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of upholding

Verb

In its evolution, resulting in eight ships of varying sizes and amenities, Oceania Cruises keeps its finger on the culinary pulse, staying current with food and drink trends.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
O’Donnell’s characters are usually fresh out of divorces and staying afloat on waves of delusional self-confidence and optimism.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of staying

Browse Nearby Words

bolsterers

bolstering

bolsters

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Style

“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolstering

verb

Example Sentences

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