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 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 prioritized bolstering a clinical workforce for rural areas and investing in technology to make care more efficient and accessible, according to a review from the Bipartisan Policy Center. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 14 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 Fate can also take a hand, with unforeseen developments bolstering one combatant’s negotiating position. — John R. Bolton, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026 The United States added 162,000 jobs in August, more than double what a consensus of economists had expected, bolstering confidence that the economy remains on solid footing. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering

Verb

Last year at the Venice Film Festival, Italy’s Fondazione Prada officially launched its film fund, aimed at sustaining independent cinema from around the world without any restrictions on theme, genre or language.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, left tackle Rashawn Slater, who missed all of last season after sustaining a knee injury in training camp, was sidelined for much of August because of a flare-up to that same knee.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Verb

Turbine cancellations haven't materialized, and order growth has actually accelerated in some states considering data center moratoriums, reinforcing our confidence in the long-term power demand story.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Interiors are seamlessly integrated into the environment, reinforcing the very restraint and repose the hospitality group has become so renowned for since its inception in 1988.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of reinforcing

Verb

Star Matthew Rhys won best actor, Stephen Root won best supporting actor and Kate O'Flynn won best supporting actress.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
There is a concern that formally accepting their preferred description of ‘public figures’ could potentially be seized upon by Harry as supporting his argument over security.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Authorities didn't comment on the drone's origin or purpose, saying further investigation was needed, but two senior officials said the device was likely carrying explosives.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Since the raid, many have returned to work at US battery plants doing similar jobs, often on the same visas, while carrying the fear of being swept up again by immigration agents, the workers told CNN.

— Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of carrying

Verb

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
Organizers describe the demonstrations as nonviolent and focused on upholding democratic principles.

— Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

bolsterers

bolstering

bolsters

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of bolstering

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

volition

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes