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
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
Hilton's platform focuses on increasing affordable housing supply for first-time homebuyers, bolstering tech industries and reviving California's film industry.
—Saige Miller, NPR, 2 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
In Mexico City, where the tournament opens on June 11, officials are bolstering security as part of a coordinated multinational effort.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
The Eagles spent the offseason bolstering the passing game with a post-Brown offense in mind.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Now, the brand is bolstering the effects of its resurfacing treatments with these pads, which can be used at-home to further improve texture.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The Cook Political Report rated the race as a toss-up, noting that Democrats have little room for error despite bolstering a candidate capable of garnering bipartisan support.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
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
Hilton's platform focuses on increasing affordable housing supply for first-time homebuyers, bolstering tech industries and reviving California's film industry.
—Saige Miller, NPR, 2 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
In Mexico City, where the tournament opens on June 11, officials are bolstering security as part of a coordinated multinational effort.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
The Eagles spent the offseason bolstering the passing game with a post-Brown offense in mind.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Now, the brand is bolstering the effects of its resurfacing treatments with these pads, which can be used at-home to further improve texture.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The Cook Political Report rated the race as a toss-up, noting that Democrats have little room for error despite bolstering a candidate capable of garnering bipartisan support.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering
Verb
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In an encouraging sign, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane will be a limited participant in practice Thursday, five days after sustaining a rib injury in the Jets game.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
-
United were, critically, without their No 1 goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis-Joyce, for the final three matches due to the USWNT goalkeeper sustaining a fractured eye socket.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Noting that Friday marked the Nasdaq Composite's steepest single-day drop since April 2025, Citi's analysts pointed to the hotter-than-expected labor market figures reinforcing expectations of potential Fed hikes later this year.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
-
True crime can often paint a simplified picture subtly reinforcing existing biases that don’t reflect reality.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
From there, those carotenoids can shuttle around your body, supporting your health.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
9 Dec. 2025
-
It is slated to begin as a permanent base at the moon’s south pole and eventually expand into a network of orbital and surface facilities supporting exploration, resource extraction, and long-term habitation.—
ELIZABETH ECONOMY,
Foreign Affairs,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Investigators say multiple suspects carrying multiple weapons opened fire on revelers celebrating a 2-year-old’s birthday inside a Stockton banquet hall.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The California Highway Patrol said the car carrying the couple and their two kids hit the tree off of Highway 50 near Kyburz in El Dorado County, according to NBC affiliate KCRA and FOX affiliate KTXL.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Ultimately, only Ashley, Tia, and Jassi make their way to the event, with Ashley upholding her traditional duty of carrying Gizelle’s beef in absentia.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
8 Dec. 2025
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These include upholding fundamental and human rights, protecting minorities, preserving democracy, and respecting the rule of law.—
Alexander Stubb,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The challenge for Beckham will be staying healthy during a rigorous training camp after being out of the league for over a year.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
That was a fun one, with both teams staying aggressive throughout the match.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolstering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolstering. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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