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 statement noted that such a framework shall enable both sides to improve their economic development while bolstering their national security in the Indo-Pacific space. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 Colleges are experimenting with business-specific internships and bolstering training in AI tools. — Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Finally, the university’s location in Naperville and the success of their football team are also key factors in bolstering enrollment, Gòkè-Paríolá said. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 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 sources The Athletic spoke to for this story believe the guardrails around young players need bolstering. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering

Verb

Arneson’s son was left orphaned and is now being raised by his grandparents after sustaining minor injuries in the crash, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald.

— Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
Expanding shipyard capacity without sustaining the suppliers is unlikely to deliver the fleet the nation needs.

— George Whittier, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Verb

There is also evidence of second-round effects from energy costs, reinforcing the risk that inflation is becoming entrenched, BofA said.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Experts have told me 2027 will be even worse than this year, and recent developments at sizable public-sector employers are reinforcing just how catastrophic things are becoming.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of reinforcing

Verb

Pink Pony is a flagship program of Ralph Lauren’s Timeless by Design 2030 citizenship and sustainability strategy, reflecting Ralph Lauren’s deep commitment to supporting the fight against cancer.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Furthermore, the models revealed the reservoir could hold between 350 million and 480 million cubic meters of gas while supporting a daily throughput of 750,000 cubic meters.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 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
Instead of choosing either Cairo or the Nile Valley and staying there for the whole holiday, people design routes incorporating all of these destinations into one route.

— Connie Etemadi, Kansas City Star, 23 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolstering

verb

Example Sentences

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