1
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
used additional beams to bolster the ceiling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 30-year-old offensive tackle — who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2019 season — was brought to Charlotte in 2024 as a reserve option at tackle for the Panthers, who were interested in bolstering an offensive line that struggled mightily the year before.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
South Africa’s president courted business leaders during a two-day state visit to Brazil aimed at bolstering trade ties with Latin America’s biggest economy amid upheaval sparked by US tariffs and the Iran war.
—semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
The companies say the partnership will help move expandable habitat technology toward operational missions by scaling up production, bolstering engineering efforts and integrating Voyager's technology systems with Max's habitat infrastructure.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Belgium, France and Germany are bolstering security around key sites as Europe responds to the Middle East conflict.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
With Crosby acquired, the Ravens can focus on their other needs, including bolstering the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
States passed 90 policies bolstering high school career and technical education in 2024, illustrating its increasing political support.
—Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Bass said the developments are part of her executive directive launched last year, aimed at bolstering LA's entertainment industry.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Apart from bolstering domestic demand, analysts say Beijing will look to elevate China’s economic role globally, not simply acting as the world’s factory floor but the source of technologies like AI chatbots, chips and robots used by countries to power their own economies.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
South Africa’s president courted business leaders during a two-day state visit to Brazil aimed at bolstering trade ties with Latin America’s biggest economy amid upheaval sparked by US tariffs and the Iran war.
—semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
The companies say the partnership will help move expandable habitat technology toward operational missions by scaling up production, bolstering engineering efforts and integrating Voyager's technology systems with Max's habitat infrastructure.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Belgium, France and Germany are bolstering security around key sites as Europe responds to the Middle East conflict.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
With Crosby acquired, the Ravens can focus on their other needs, including bolstering the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
States passed 90 policies bolstering high school career and technical education in 2024, illustrating its increasing political support.
—Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Bass said the developments are part of her executive directive launched last year, aimed at bolstering LA's entertainment industry.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Apart from bolstering domestic demand, analysts say Beijing will look to elevate China’s economic role globally, not simply acting as the world’s factory floor but the source of technologies like AI chatbots, chips and robots used by countries to power their own economies.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering
Verb
-
He was limited to just three games in 2024 after sustaining a torn patellar tendon the previous season.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Studios traditionally have offered upfront fees and residuals based upon a film’s or TV show’s earnings—sustaining payments that sometimes continue for years, based on its success.—
Geoff Colvin,
Fortune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This year, the brand also announced tennis player Flavio Cobolli as its new brand ambassador for 2026 and 2027 — strengthening its connection to the world of professional tennis and reinforcing its commitment to a new generation of athletes who embody performance, authenticity and style.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
That's why its so important to keep reinforcing daily routines even when your kids seem used to them.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
No, the actor, now 27 and recognized in the best supporting actress category for her sensitive turn in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, has actually—wait for it—already been working for a quarter of a century.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2026
-
From cushioned walking sneakers to sleek slip-ons and foldable flats, the brand boasts arch-supporting insoles enhanced with anti-odor technology to keep feet feeling fresh and comfortable all day long.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The most serious mid-air collision involving the plane happened in 1966, when a B-52 bomber carrying nuclear bombs struck a tanker near Palomares, Spain.—
Kim Tong-Hyung,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Across the country, courts are also upholding civil rights in cases involving voting access, free speech, equal protection and executive authority.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The firms had argued the orders unconstitutionally punished them for diverging with the administration and for upholding their clients' right to legal counsel.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Since many hotels usually have a couple pillows of different firmness levels on a bed, falling and staying asleep won’t be a fever dream no matter your sleeping position.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Last week, the council voted 9–6 to direct the city manager to study moving its emergency operations, dispatch and service call center out of City Hall while devising funding plans for repairing the aging building, staying there and relocating.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
