bolsters 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of bolster
1
as in supports
to hold up or serve as a foundation for used additional beams to bolster the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in reinforces
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

bolsters

2 of 2

noun

plural of bolster

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 bolsters
Verb
Senior forward Madelyn Gora, who scored 10 goals, leads an offense that returns nearly all of its production, and senior Sloane Zygmunt bolsters the defense. Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Marketing material for the serum asserts that mineral-rich comfrey bolsters bones, tendons and ligaments and noni stimulates circulation and supports detoxification. Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Now, their emergence in AEW bolsters the company’s tag team division. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The move bolsters a Rays rotation that entered the day ranked third in the American League in ERA and nets New York a trio of prospects in right-hander Gary Gill Hill, infielder Émilien Pitre and outfielder Aidan Smith. Tim Britton, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Despite losing in the 5th place match, Atlanta bolsters its playoff creds by jumping over several teams to move up from 14th place. Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The driver's seat side bolsters on the Coupe and Spider are also adjustable. New Atlas, 25 July 2026 The White House said Tuesday's announcement from Sherrill bolsters the need for Congress to pass the president's signature SAVE America Act, which would significantly retool the administration of American elections. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 21 July 2026 The Justice Department also argues that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that states may ban transgender girls from female sports team bolsters its case. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolsters
Verb
  • Because growing the rice itself is not profitable, even with historic high prices for Japanese rice, the company supports the agricultural costs through side ventures including a restaurant and an ice cream brand launched this summer.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Check the actual cost, state your terms plainly, and choose the option that supports both confidence and stability today without undercutting yourself.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Böker reinforces the scales at the tool's ends with nickel-silver bolsters.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The handling of the Epstein files by Republicans reinforces the observation of ordinary Americans that wealthy and well-connected one-percenters have been and continue to be treated differently from ordinary citizens.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Qidi packed the machine extremely well, with thick foam inserts, transport brackets, shipping screws, and enough zip ties to survive a forklift rodeo on the way to my shop.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
  • While the Maxwell Ratings reflect each team’s strength, the simulation highlights the impact of the season’s structure as defined by the games, region alignments and playoff brackets.
    Loren Maxwell, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ford is among the few filmmakers who succeeds in filming a stage performance with visual attention (a combination of duration and framing) that sustains literary continuity yet never recedes to mere home-video-like recording.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If Willis sustains an injury, a high draft pick also would be helpful.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • To keep everyone safe, designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux built a system of tunnels, arches and bridges that let the paths cross without crashes.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • This extends into the sides of the car, where Aston Martin’s traditional side strakes are elongated into vents that extract air from the front wheel arches.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Ravens also went with an all-rookie running back rotation, and the trio of fifth-round pick Adam Randall and undrafted rookies Elijah Tau-Tolliver and Dontae McMillan combined for 128 rushing yards on 31 carries.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The temple's dark roofs slope toward the misty Saitama hills, while the damp mountain air carries the scent of incense from this historic pilgrimage start.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Webb later revisited the region in infrared, seeing through more of the dust and revealing stars hidden inside and behind the pillars.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a symmetry despite all four stands having a different design, ranging from the concrete pillars of the Bramall Lane end to the much smoother lines seen along the John Street Stand.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If the District Court upholds the denial, your application is considered exhausted.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 21 July 2026
  • For many, this new-build option upholds preferential aesthetics while satisfying practical needs and eliminating restoration headaches.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bolsters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolsters. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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