1
as in supports
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
used additional beams to bolster the ceiling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
The downturn bolsters the longstanding theory that the Bitcoin market follows the dictates of US election cycles.
—Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 June 2026
Europe bolsters military alliances over Russia fears Mounting concern in Europe over Russia’s military ambitions — and a lack of confidence in US support — is driving new defense alliances across the continent.
—semafor.com, 29 May 2026
The agreement also bolsters AI protections, specifically around consent and compensation, and establishes minimum rate increases.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 11 May 2026
Lots of laughter and playing with joy, even in the hardest of moments, truly bolsters well-being!
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The win, his third straight, bolsters Antonelli’s spot at the top of the leaderboard, 20 points ahead of fellow Mercedes driver George Russell.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
Amazon Echo Show 11 Deal The Amazon Echo Show 11 has a vibrant 11-inch screen that's powered by the AZ3 Pro chip, which bolsters performance.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
The soldiers are members of the 10th Infantry Battalion Guard Security Corps National Reserve on a weekend exercise to hone their skills as the Netherlands bolsters its military with new recruits and volunteers.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
The appearance from Vance only bolsters that case.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
The downturn bolsters the longstanding theory that the Bitcoin market follows the dictates of US election cycles.
—Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 June 2026
Europe bolsters military alliances over Russia fears Mounting concern in Europe over Russia’s military ambitions — and a lack of confidence in US support — is driving new defense alliances across the continent.
—semafor.com, 29 May 2026
The agreement also bolsters AI protections, specifically around consent and compensation, and establishes minimum rate increases.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 11 May 2026
Lots of laughter and playing with joy, even in the hardest of moments, truly bolsters well-being!
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The win, his third straight, bolsters Antonelli’s spot at the top of the leaderboard, 20 points ahead of fellow Mercedes driver George Russell.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
Amazon Echo Show 11 Deal The Amazon Echo Show 11 has a vibrant 11-inch screen that's powered by the AZ3 Pro chip, which bolsters performance.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
The soldiers are members of the 10th Infantry Battalion Guard Security Corps National Reserve on a weekend exercise to hone their skills as the Netherlands bolsters its military with new recruits and volunteers.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolsters
Verb
-
With locations in Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Wheeling, and Chicago, Avenues supports individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities and is committed to long-term care, community integration, and disability advocacy.—
Gina Grillo,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
-
Flat printing followed by folding supports efficient transport and on-site assembly, potentially transforming how large-scale components are manufactured.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Spirit Day reinforces the importance of kindness, while also providing young readers with strategies to be a supportive friend.—
Sarah Kate Ellis,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
This regular practice also reinforces the factory protective coatings that prevent rust and deterioration.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
This stress cuts across all tax brackets, impacting young adults and parents the hardest.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
-
This can be meaningful for investors in higher tax brackets.—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Pascale’s cello generally swoops and sustains while Katzmann’s saxophone jitters in search.—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2026
-
Integrity sustains football’s ability to inspire trust and respect.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Certified in 2007 as the world’s first Dark Sky Park, this remote Utah monument pairs pristine skies with natural stone arches that make striking foregrounds for night photography.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
The unusual event, fought in a temporary arena under 90-foot arches, is timed to Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th.—
Veronica Bravo,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Cancer June 21 – July 22 Cancer, your voice carries extra care.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2026
-
June 21 – July 22 Cancer, your voice carries extra care.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Due to the material’s structural limitations, it cannot be used for high-strength or critical load-bearing structures like skyscraper pillars or major bridges.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
-
When constructed, the stone circle was aligned with the sun, and to this day, thousands of people gather to witness the moment the sun peeks perfectly through its pillars.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Thrash, whose latest project is a benefit gala at the Palace of Versailles planned for June 8, upholds a long tradition of American philanthropy in support of French cultural institutions.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
-
Islam, like Christianity, upholds the dignity of every human being and encourages dialogue and reconciliation over conflict.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolsters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolsters. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
