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
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Recent Examples of bolstering
Kim, Xi and Putin gathered for the military parade amid Ukrainian and Western concerns over the collaboration of the three nations in bolstering Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ongoing since February 2022.
—
Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025
Barrett has sided with the conservative majority in many cases, bolstering national gun rights, ending affirmative action, and limiting the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions in a more recent birthright citizenship decision.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
Immigrant workers have been essential in bolstering the state's economy given declining birthrates and an aging population, said Abby Raisz, research director at the Bay Area Economic Institute.
—Kate Rogers, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
The programs administered by CP3 were aimed at bolstering local communities in recognizing those kinds of signs – though there has long been criticism of their efficacy.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
With Rodríguez likely out for the 2026 season — the timetable to return is roughly 12 to 18 months — the Giants’ brass will be tasked with bolstering their bullpen in the offseason.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
Japan has been bolstering its missile defenses amid threats from China and North Korea, acquiring two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs) to defend against ballistic missile attacks.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano brought in a program-record 19 players in the transfer portal this season, placing an emphasis on improving his defense and bolstering the offensive line.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Trump is looking at bolstering Republicans’ seven-seat majority in the House by other means as well.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025
Barrett has sided with the conservative majority in many cases, bolstering national gun rights, ending affirmative action, and limiting the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions in a more recent birthright citizenship decision.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
Immigrant workers have been essential in bolstering the state's economy given declining birthrates and an aging population, said Abby Raisz, research director at the Bay Area Economic Institute.
—Kate Rogers, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
The programs administered by CP3 were aimed at bolstering local communities in recognizing those kinds of signs – though there has long been criticism of their efficacy.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
With Rodríguez likely out for the 2026 season — the timetable to return is roughly 12 to 18 months — the Giants’ brass will be tasked with bolstering their bullpen in the offseason.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
Japan has been bolstering its missile defenses amid threats from China and North Korea, acquiring two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs) to defend against ballistic missile attacks.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano brought in a program-record 19 players in the transfer portal this season, placing an emphasis on improving his defense and bolstering the offensive line.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Trump is looking at bolstering Republicans’ seven-seat majority in the House by other means as well.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering
Verb
-
Gayot has been a key player in restoring a level of quality to the collection and developing a fresh look to the brand, a balance that’s cool and modern while sustaining the heritage and classic American appeal.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
-
If the Kingdom locks those reforms in while sustaining a realistic pace on its mega-projects and widening space for constructive debate, the payoff will extend far beyond its borders to a more stable and economically productive Arab region better able to compete in the world.—
Ali Shihabi,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For the evening, the top priority remains the east flank of the fire, reinforcing fire lines made during previous shifts and preparing for potential strategic firing operations by removing snags.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
According to the statement, with the backing of PAI, Marcolin has broadened its international reach and enhanced operational efficiency, reinforcing itself as a leading player in the wholesale eyewear market.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For decades, the CDC has been the backbone of global health partnerships, supporting Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola and now COVID-19.—
Stan Chu Ilo,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
SpaceX lands Falcon 9 boosters on offshore drone ships after most of its launches and only brings the rocket back to an onshore landing on missions carrying lighter payloads to orbit.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The deal with YouTube caps off a tumultuous year for Sesame Workshop, which lost its output deal with HBO last December, though the streaming platform inked a deal to continue carrying some library programming.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The administration contends the law is unconstitutional, asserting an expansive view of presidential power that could prompt the Supreme Court to overturn what remains of its 90-year-old precedent upholding such removal protections.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Myles Graham, Aaron Chiles and Jaden Robinson struggled to balance spying the mobile USF signal caller with upholding UF’s zone coverage on crossing routes.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Eating kiwi before bed is the latest hack that people swear by for falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia talk about how staying messy and honest is the only path forward.—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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