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
These experiments successfully duplicated the same geometry and abrasion observed in the ancient tooth, bolstering the researchers' conclusions.
—
Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 May 2026
More than 300 new ICE officers and staff were being deployed to more than 40 states and Puerto Rico with the goal of bolstering immigration enforcement throughout the country, USA TODAY reported on May 8.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Buffalo spent the offseason bolstering its offensive and defensive units in hopes of making a championship run.
—Amos Morale Iii, New York Times, 12 May 2026
The findings underscore how hackers are using available AI tools like OpenClaw to exploit software flaws in ways that can be particularly damaging to companies, government agencies and other organizations even as cybersecurity firms pump billions of dollars into bolstering their defenses.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Average weekly hours worked also increased, bolstering take-home pay.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
The law should go into effect this month, helping to fulfill President Emmanuel Macron’s 2017 promise of returning African heritage to the continent, with the hope of bolstering diplomatic relations with France’s former colonies.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026
That engine produces around 400 hp at the crank, bolstering a top speed of 187 mph (~300 km/h).
—New Atlas, 8 May 2026
The government has thrown a lot of money at bolstering security for the Jewish population.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 May 2026
More than 300 new ICE officers and staff were being deployed to more than 40 states and Puerto Rico with the goal of bolstering immigration enforcement throughout the country, USA TODAY reported on May 8.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Buffalo spent the offseason bolstering its offensive and defensive units in hopes of making a championship run.
—Amos Morale Iii, New York Times, 12 May 2026
The findings underscore how hackers are using available AI tools like OpenClaw to exploit software flaws in ways that can be particularly damaging to companies, government agencies and other organizations even as cybersecurity firms pump billions of dollars into bolstering their defenses.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Average weekly hours worked also increased, bolstering take-home pay.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
The law should go into effect this month, helping to fulfill President Emmanuel Macron’s 2017 promise of returning African heritage to the continent, with the hope of bolstering diplomatic relations with France’s former colonies.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026
That engine produces around 400 hp at the crank, bolstering a top speed of 187 mph (~300 km/h).
—New Atlas, 8 May 2026
The government has thrown a lot of money at bolstering security for the Jewish population.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Amid high expectations and long win streaks, Moss said a sports psychologist has spoken to the team about staying present and not letting the success get into their heads.—
Jordan Puente,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
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Tate was staying at the home while her husband, filmmaker Roman Polanski, was abroad.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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