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 United intend to invest Malard’s fee into bolstering their own ranks this summer. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 14 July 2026 The Toronto Blue Jays are bolstering their organizational depth by signing veteran outfielder Daz Cameron, a former first-round pick with five years of MLB experience. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Their 2026 draft could shift in the other direction with more focus on bolstering their pitching in the farm system. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 At the committee hearing, Wahab said the bill is meant to increase transparency over the county’s discretionary funds by bolstering public oversight of the county’s money and adding new checks on how taxpayer funds get spent. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 Neymar came into the match about 10 minutes after Endrick, bolstering the offense with a flair that Brazil desperately needed. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Their coupling instantly captured the attention and hearts of fans around the world, and Swift’s presence at Chiefs games was even credited with bolstering female interest in NFL football. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Some believe the one-time wealth tax would send California’s richest residents running to low-tax states like Florida, bolstering the luxury real estate market in Miami. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 Starmer won praise from many for his international role, especially in bolstering European support for Ukraine. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering

Verb

The company pointed to research from the UK AI Security Institute showing that advanced models are increasingly capable of sustaining complex, multi-step cyber operations over extended periods.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
It is found in building the enduring capacity of leaders and teams to adapt while sustaining performance.

— Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of sustaining

Verb

By asking a federal court to extend one of international law’s strongest protections to Rodríguez, the administration is reinforcing a policy shift that began with its recognition of her government in March.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Trump won the state back in 2024, reinforcing Arizona's status as one of the nation's premier swing states.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 July 2026

Definition of reinforcing

Verb

Part of every ticket sale will go to Solace Women’s Aid, a British charity supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.

— Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
For an ambitious piece at a considerable price, there might even be a handful of people supporting the acquisition, each pitching in a percentage of the cost.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

That was part of his wider goal of sending endless waves of bomb-carrying drones and robots to hit Russian encampments in a bid to sharply reduce Ukraine’s casualties.

— Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Then in April, one of the company’s ships was passing Puerto Rico between two other jobs while carrying an advanced underwater drone with the right sensors to find the plane.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of carrying

Verb

The court also reversed the lower court’s decision upholding the state’s 10-round magazine limit, concluding that those restrictions likewise violate the Constitution.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
Alford also commented on the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the long-standing interpretation that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of upholding

Verb

Food and drink One of the perks of staying at The Francis is easy access to its on-site gem of a restaurant and creative cocktail bar, The Wayside Tavern.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
But the heaviest rains were staying offshore, reducing the risks of flooding, the center said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolstering

verb

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