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
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
Such a scenario, in all probability, reduces the chances of United bolstering that part of head coach Michael Carrick’s squad.
—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Further bolstering the country as a prime location is the new Olivewood Film Studios, located in Amman.
—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Adidas is bolstering its relationship with Nordstrom with the launch of a national retail partnership celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026, the world’s largest sporting event and the first to be hosted in North America since 1994.
—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Beijing, Iran’s largest trading partner and the main buyer of Iranian oil, has backed Pakistan, too, bolstering the country’s credibility even further.
—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
3 June 2026
Peterson’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Minneapolis, the mayor noted, with the city in the middle of major public safety reforms, while bolstering staffing levels, working to reduce violent crime and building trust with the residents.
—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
2 June 2026
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
Such a scenario, in all probability, reduces the chances of United bolstering that part of head coach Michael Carrick’s squad.
—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Further bolstering the country as a prime location is the new Olivewood Film Studios, located in Amman.
—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Adidas is bolstering its relationship with Nordstrom with the launch of a national retail partnership celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026, the world’s largest sporting event and the first to be hosted in North America since 1994.
—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Beijing, Iran’s largest trading partner and the main buyer of Iranian oil, has backed Pakistan, too, bolstering the country’s credibility even further.
—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
3 June 2026
Peterson’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Minneapolis, the mayor noted, with the city in the middle of major public safety reforms, while bolstering staffing levels, working to reduce violent crime and building trust with the residents.
—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
2 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.
-
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.
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.
-
The company’s logo centers on Vine Street itself, reinforcing a sense of place within the neighborhood.
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.
-
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.
Verb
-
Demonstrators express frustration Protesters marching through Johannesburg’s city center Tuesday included young men carrying traditional fighting sticks and women of all ages.
-
Dark figures were darting through the shadows—Germans were carrying sacks and pillows to their building.
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.
-
The global brand is very focused on wellness, and this property is steadfast in upholding the theme.
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.
-
Read more about the heat dome and tips on staying cool in this visual explainer.
Cite this Entry
“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
