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
While Beijing is bolstering production networks and investing in infrastructure in countries in Southeast Asia, Washington is penalizing those countries with punitive tariffs.
—
Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025
China has undertaken a massive expansion of sites linked to missile production since 2020, bolstering its ability to potentially deter the US military and assert its dominance in the region, a new CNN analysis of satellite images, maps and government notices reveals.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
In addition to bolstering their staff of hitting coaches, the Royals are seeking another assistant pitching coach this offseason.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
The remaining slots are a toss-up in an open field, with the increasingly powerful profile of Challengers actor Josh O'Connor bolstering his bid for Wake Up Dead Man, which contains arguably his best work to date.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Under head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats bring back key guards like Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen, while bolstering the roster with blue-chip transfers and freshman talent, including Jaland Lowe and Kam Williams.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
General manager Mike Hazen blamed himself for not bolstering the club’s depth in 2025, which contributed to a disappointing fourth-place finish.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
The Charter battle, which resulted in a 10-day blackout and ultimately a game-changing agreement dropping some linear network carriage but bolstering Disney+ and Hulu, got the entire industry’s attention.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Sliwa, the Republican nominee and founder of the Guardian Angels, has campaigned on bolstering public safety and reducing bureaucracy.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025
China has undertaken a massive expansion of sites linked to missile production since 2020, bolstering its ability to potentially deter the US military and assert its dominance in the region, a new CNN analysis of satellite images, maps and government notices reveals.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
In addition to bolstering their staff of hitting coaches, the Royals are seeking another assistant pitching coach this offseason.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
The remaining slots are a toss-up in an open field, with the increasingly powerful profile of Challengers actor Josh O'Connor bolstering his bid for Wake Up Dead Man, which contains arguably his best work to date.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Under head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats bring back key guards like Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen, while bolstering the roster with blue-chip transfers and freshman talent, including Jaland Lowe and Kam Williams.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
General manager Mike Hazen blamed himself for not bolstering the club’s depth in 2025, which contributed to a disappointing fourth-place finish.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
The Charter battle, which resulted in a 10-day blackout and ultimately a game-changing agreement dropping some linear network carriage but bolstering Disney+ and Hulu, got the entire industry’s attention.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Sliwa, the Republican nominee and founder of the Guardian Angels, has campaigned on bolstering public safety and reducing bureaucracy.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering
Verb
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Freedom of the Press Under the Current Administration — Presented by the Golden Globe Foundation, this session brings together journalists and advocates defending freedom of the press and the essential role of truth in sustaining democracy.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
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According to authorities, the typhoon has already had devastating impacts on many parts of Luzon — the Philippines’ most populous island — sustaining winds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts of up to 230 kph (143 mph).—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But critics and former employees who spoke with CNN say the AI company has long known of the dangers of the tool’s tendency toward sycophancy – repeatedly reinforcing and encouraging any kind of input – particularly for users who are distressed or mentally ill.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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Under his leadership, Brioni underwent an operational reorganisation and experienced strong growth momentum, reinforcing its position in the luxury menswear landscape, according to its parent company Kering.—
Vogue Business Team,
Vogue,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In 2016, as the Commonwealth moved to censure the Maldives, New Delhi provided diplomatic cover by making the case for engagement over sanctions and supporting the Maldives’ preemptive withdrawal from the organization.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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China last tested its ICBM force in September 2024—its first since the 1980s—when a DF-31AG missile carrying a dummy warhead was fired toward international waters in the South Pacific, within the region's nuclear-free zone, according to a Newsweek map.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued carrying the 29 Starlink satellites toward LEO, where were deployed on schedule about an hour into flight.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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His choices force Mickey to constantly balance protecting her family with upholding the law.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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Together, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of respect, safety, and integrity for all participants, staff, and stakeholders.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The sale includes statement shoes like pink lace-up boots plus cozy designs perfect for staying warm all winter like insulated boat shoes, water-resistant boots, and even waterproof boots for rainy days.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
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For events with formalities, like speeches, cake-cutting, or a holiday toast, Hayes advises staying until those key moments are complete.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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