BOLSTER Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

bolster 1 of 2

verb

Definition of bolster

as in to sustain

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

So who made the strongest cases in Saturday’s 16-15 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and who needs to flash in next week’s preseason finale to bolster their case? — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026 Beijing has moved to insulate itself economically, slashing crude imports nearly 50% since the war started, according to The Wall Street Journal, and bolstering domestic energy. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

The 16-way adjustable sport seats are standard, while performance seats shelled in carbon fiber—presenting more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters—are optionally available. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026 The blade is made from high-carbon 440 stainless steel, the handle is magnolia, and the bolster is crafted from natural horn. — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolster

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster

Verb

North Korea’s willingness to sustain such losses reflects the reach of Russia’s global alliances and Moscow’s need for extra manpower.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
The family’s attendance streak will become harder to sustain.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustain

Verb

To reinforce its point, the North followed up Thursday with a barrage of about a dozen short-range ballistic missiles launched from around the capital, Pyongyang, eastward toward the sea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

— Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Stick Velcro dots to the underside of the felt at the top and bottom, reinforcing the adhesive under the Velcro dots with a little bit of hot glue.

— Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Noun

Hollyer also shared photos of the couple and friends posing in front of a flower arch and at dinner, seemingly moments after the proposal.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
The Athletics' stadium on the Las Vegas Strip is beginning to resemble the final product, with the second steel truss arch added this week for what will eventually provide a similar look to Australia's famed Sydney Opera House.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of arch

Verb

Erdogan has called Netanyahu a war criminal and repeatedly accused Israel of atrocities in Gaza; Netanyahu has accused Erdogan of supporting Hamas.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
The technology can support both conventional and remote sites, like areas where traditional energy infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to build.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

As drawn on the field, the coaching boxes positioned in foul territory look like a three-sided bracket, closed off in every direction except backward, away from the baseline.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, housing is even more out of reach for those in lower-income brackets.

— Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of bracket

Verb

Harington, meanwhile, will be able to uphold his title as the king of HBO.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
The show also pokes fun at the late 1990s and early 2000s liberal cultural consensus that was upheld in other popular culture of the time while also both replicating and subverting stereotypes of suburban Southern white Americans.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of uphold

Browse Nearby Words

bolshevism

bolster

bolstered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolster

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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