bolstering

present participle of bolster
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 These acquisitions are crucial for bolstering the Yankees' rotation. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 4 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 The companies were selected under the Army`s Strategic Capital Initiative, a landmark public-private partnership aimed at bolstering the US defense industrial base. Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026 County executive James Williams expects the most likely incoming governor, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, would be more supportive of bolstering healthcare funding, and maintains state support will be essential in coming years. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 In the Sunday talks, however, Tehran and Washington agreed on mechanism aimed at ensuring peace in Lebanon and bolstering security in the strait, through which a fifth of the world's oil would typically pass before the war. Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 22 June 2026 Sproxton talked about the role Channel 4 played in bolstering UK animation. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering
Verb
  • Gifford had to have a follow-up hip surgery after sustaining a fracture from being too physically active in her condition, People noted.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The training package included in the contract is expected to prepare Polish crews and technical personnel for operating and sustaining the new fleet over its service life.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • By turning watch parties into product discovery moments, the brand reaches consumers precisely when soft drink consumption peaks, while reinforcing its positioning as a healthier alternative to traditional game-day beverages.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The company’s logo centers on Vine Street itself, reinforcing a sense of place within the neighborhood.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • In a recent interview on PEOPLE in 10, Chloe opened up about supporting Halle at a screening for her You, Me & Tuscany rom-com in April.
    Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie will be honored during ESPYS week in July with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award for his work supporting the global autism community.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Demonstrators express frustration Protesters marching through Johannesburg’s city center Tuesday included young men carrying traditional fighting sticks and women of all ages.
    Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Dark figures were darting through the shadows—Germans were carrying sacks and pillows to their building.
    Vasily Grossman, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Impeaching judges, sterilizing foreign visitors, dissolving the union – some prominent conservatives suggested extreme measures could be called for in the wake of a Supreme Court decision upholding birthright citizenship.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The global brand is very focused on wellness, and this property is steadfast in upholding the theme.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Tops on that list is the late Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir — who died in January at 78 — as a model for a band staying fearless and uncompromising.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Read more about the heat dome and tips on staying cool in this visual explainer.
    Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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