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
The government has thrown a lot of money at bolstering security for the Jewish population.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
The Iran war is bolstering that argument even more.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Kyiv has become an arms powerhouse by building up its drone capabilities and bolstering defense partnerships that give it additional geopolitical leverage, an analyst argued in Persuasion.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 May 2026
If finalized, the move could impact telehealth firms that rely on outsourcing facilities to produce these drugs in bulk, while bolstering Novo and Lilly's efforts against unauthorized versions that are eating into sales of their blockbuster treatments.
—Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
If finalized, the move could impact telehealth firms that rely on outsourcing facilities to produce these drugs in bulk, while bolstering Novo and Lilly’s efforts against unauthorized versions that are eating into sales of their blockbuster treatments.
—Reuters, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
In the past three years, Roaring Robotics has committed to bolstering its program by bringing in more mentors from companies like Molex and helping other schools build their own robotics programs.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers addressed some of the more flaring holes in their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft, picking several offensive and defensive lineman in hopes of bolstering their strength in the trenches.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
The Chargers addressed their biggest needs in the first two days of the NFL draft, made trades that netted them additional selections and then seemed to be playing with the house’s money on the third and final day Saturday, bolstering their roster at several positions.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
The Iran war is bolstering that argument even more.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Kyiv has become an arms powerhouse by building up its drone capabilities and bolstering defense partnerships that give it additional geopolitical leverage, an analyst argued in Persuasion.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 May 2026
If finalized, the move could impact telehealth firms that rely on outsourcing facilities to produce these drugs in bulk, while bolstering Novo and Lilly's efforts against unauthorized versions that are eating into sales of their blockbuster treatments.
—Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
If finalized, the move could impact telehealth firms that rely on outsourcing facilities to produce these drugs in bulk, while bolstering Novo and Lilly’s efforts against unauthorized versions that are eating into sales of their blockbuster treatments.
—Reuters, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
In the past three years, Roaring Robotics has committed to bolstering its program by bringing in more mentors from companies like Molex and helping other schools build their own robotics programs.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers addressed some of the more flaring holes in their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft, picking several offensive and defensive lineman in hopes of bolstering their strength in the trenches.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
The Chargers addressed their biggest needs in the first two days of the NFL draft, made trades that netted them additional selections and then seemed to be playing with the house’s money on the third and final day Saturday, bolstering their roster at several positions.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering
Verb
-
Then Matthew Boyd needed surgery on the meniscus in his left knee this week, sustaining the injury while playing at home with his kids.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
Margaret moved into his battle station and fought bravely, sustaining three gunshot wounds, until the British captured the post.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
This begins with reinforcing clear policies that protect student access to education regardless of immigration status, while expanding counseling, legal resource referrals and family outreach to address fear and confusion related to immigration enforcement.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Following the downfall of Zhang and his lieutenant in January, an editorial published by the official PLA Daily newspaper accused the two former military leaders of undermining Xi’s ultimate authority while also reinforcing Xi’s message of zero-tolerance on corruption.—
Steven Jiang,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Expanding access to high-quality early education, supporting the workforce behind it, and giving families clearer information is all part of the solution.—
Tina Dello Russo,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
In general, Korean skin care is often formulated with lower-irritation potential and barrier-supporting ingredients, which can be helpful if your skin concerns include dull skin or working toward a more even skin tone—especially for those with sensitive skin.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Others may use hollow pipes, tubes, window ledges or even sliding door tracks (a favorite site for the grass-carrying wasp).—
Pamm Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Lerner’s critical reputation is also through the roof, each new book carrying the weight of potentially being a moment of great artistic import.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Even outside of the realm of images, and speaking more generally to all professional practices in PR and advertising, truth is vital to upholding professional credibility.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 May 2026
-
Under the county charter, the executive’s 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
May 6,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Ahead, shop more of my mom’s Quince shoe picks for looking fashionable while staying comfortable.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
-
So just staying aggressive, and the outcome will be the outcome.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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