Synonyms of bolstering

bolstering

verb

present participle of bolster

1

as in sustaining

to hold up or serve as a foundation for

used additional beams to bolster the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sustaining
• supporting
• carrying
• upholding
• staying
• buttressing
• underpinning
• bracing
• bearing
• undergirding
• propping (up)
• underlying
• shoring (up)
• steadying
• trussing

2

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

• reinforcing
• supporting
• proving
• buttressing
• confirming
• backing
• corroborating
• establishing
• substantiating
• verifying
• shoring (up)
• affirming
• validating
• avouching

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undermining
• weakening
• undercutting

Example Sentences

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