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 Martin’s lab has shown that metals can replace biological enzymes in many basic metabolic processes, bolstering the case. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026 The revision reflects a bevy of fundamental, technical and historical factors bolstering the market, according to CFRA. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million deal to join the Bears this offseason, bolstering a secondary that was overhauled following multiple departures. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The world’s largest law firm is bolstering its deeply rooted government affairs practice in Atlanta as economic development surges in the Southeast and Georgia prepares to elect new leaders, writes Rosie Manins. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired two-time All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets, bolstering their rotation. — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The Twins would love to enhance their position by further bolstering the bullpen. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 The study further demonstrates that bolstering SORLA has potential as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies (a group of brain disorders defined by the buildup of abnormal tau protein). — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2026 This time, some big names are joining the newsmagazine as correspondents and contributors, bolstering its ranks after the departures of Scott Pelley, Anderson Cooper, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering

Verb

But sustaining that rotation has presented its own challenges.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
This is a foundational arrangement for sustaining North Korean livelihoods and stabilizing China’s northeastern border.

— ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Verb

The grants help pay for home improvements like upgrading roof coverings, retrofitting doors and windows, and reinforcing connections between walls and roofs.

— Jaclyn de Medicci Bruneau, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
Over the years, Vizard has watched visitors come to the farm to admire the birds, reinforcing her belief that the farm should continue to be used as an open space.

— Tran Chau, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcing

Verb

Meanwhile, Mercury in your private 12th house sextiles Venus in your 2nd House of Resources, supporting quiet decisions around money, self-worth, and peace.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Johnson said the development could add to the local tax base while supporting construction and information technology jobs.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Ultimately, though, the highlight is grabbing a glass of local wine at the lobby bar, carrying it to any one of the viewpoints on the massive lawn, and watching sunset over the silent sound, feeling like everything the light touches is yours.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike via the group’s news agency Saba on Tuesday, saying the ship was carrying military equipment.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of carrying

Verb

The county executive’s chartered responsibilities include overseeing the county’s municipal departments, correcting errors in tax assessments, executing certain contracts, upholding the county charter and representing the county in general.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
There are plenty of people who don't agree with the NCAA upholding a suspension, and the Tennessee administration is high on the list.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of upholding

Verb

And staying socially and mentally engaged by participating in hobbies, learning new skills, and maintaining relationships with family and friends are all ways to keep the body and brain active.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
While Sebastiaan Bornauw was staying wide on the right of the back three, Trafford came out to split Tarik Muharemovic and Jaka Bijol, offering them a passing option.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 13 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolstering

verb

Example Sentences

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