bolster 1 of 2

1
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for used additional beams to bolster the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to reinforce
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

bolster

2 of 2

noun

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 bolster
Verb
The accord will bolster pandemic preparation within individual countries and around the world. Nicole Hassoun, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 Less than 24 hours before President Donald Trump was set to host a gala for crypto investors, the price of bitcoin hit an all-time high — a confluence of events likely to bolster Trump's reputation as a champion of digital assets even as the dinner has raised ethical concerns. Rob Wile, NBC news, 22 May 2025
Noun
Look at the tall hip bolsters, which might seem foreboding, yet when dropping into the chair and potentially landing sensitive high-value body parts on the hip bolster, there’s no threat of emasculation or bruising. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 The bolsters have the feel of those high-density sponges your better half uses in the shower. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bolster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster
Verb
  • The Waterbury Police Department responded to a report of a fight involving a group of men in the road in the 600 block of South Main Street shortly after 9 p.m. Two male victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
  • Foundations and individuals that once focused solely on infrastructure or scholarship are now looking to sustain the principles that make education possible: academic freedom, equal access, and legal independence.
    Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • That reinforces the original (or last) experience the customer had with you.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Not bad for an 80-foot tall, single arch, limestone bridge to carry traffic over 15th Street on the eastern edge of Kansas City.
    Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
  • We’re known for our iconic white arches and a design aesthetic that blends Santorini minimalism with Tulum’s earthy elegance, all set in the heart of Bali.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Amanda Hollins: With 15 years in law enforcement, Hollins’s vision for Kennedale includes strengthening community infrastructure, supporting local businesses, enhancing organizational efficiency, empowering future leaders, and advocating for ethical leadership.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Central plays top seed LIU Saturday at 3 p.m. in the winner’s bracket.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
  • Like Bosco in the previous group, Mistress is the only former finalist of her bracket.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Flair built his reputation on limousine rides and midnight blade jobs, Bruno Sammartino carried the belt like a civic honor, and Steve Austin smashed beers on his head and then drank them on the top rope.
    Oliver Bateman, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • The charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum term of 20 years of imprisonment.
    Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • While education and health have long been pillars of their work, sustainability is a newer, but increasingly vital, focus for the Foundation.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Durability and dominance are the twin pillars of pitching greatness.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • There is a fundamental truth here that must be upheld.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • However, the president fumed at foreign leaders on Friday for failing to uphold their end of the deal.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bolster

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!