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

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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 Royals used some of their depth to bolster the offense, trading RHP Brady Singer (9-13, 3.71 ERA to the Reds for 2B Jonathan India and OF Joey Wiemer. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 Connecticut transit riders urged lawmakers to bolster funding and services for the state’s local commuter railroads on Wednesday, as ridership continues to experience an uneven rebound from the pandemic. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
The braided side bolsters can also be reshaped to fit around a dog’s body to be even more comforting. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024 For people with back issues, a bolster or blanket under the knees can relieve pressure from the lower back. Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 28 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for bolster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster
Verb
  • The country's fertility rate last year stood at just 1.0 births per woman, far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to sustain population growth.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The veteran lineman played well during his first season as an NFL starting center before sustaining the notable injury in Week 5.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While none of the concepts discussed are new, Buffett reinforced insights relevant to the current state of investing, particularly Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance business.
    Bill Stone, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Grecian-style sleeveless gown was reinforced in the midsection but otherwise draped loosely toward the ground.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The structure was drafted by a stage designer before being realized by an architect, a choice that’s reflected in some of its fanciful elements (some of which contemporary architects dismissed as kitsch) like frescoes, Romanesque arches, Gothic delicacy and whiffs of Art Nouveau foreshadowing.
    Ann Abel, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Any artist who has had an early career arch like Tate’s should be thrilled not only to top the Billboard 200 but to have journeyed to the summit.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Now, a note of caution here: mods are not yet officially supported in the game.
    Barry Collins, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • European leaders largely supported Zelenskyy following his Friday Oval Office meeting with Trump.
    Luke Garrett, NPR, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The girls’ bracket has Ontario Christian meeting the winner of Sierra Canyon-Mission Hills.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
  • After demolishing what had been the top team in the section, San Ramon Valley could receive a high seed in the NorCal Open Division bracket, the highest level.
    Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Butler carried the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Sixty-plus years ago, the state’s water managers proposed a canal around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to complete the state project that carries water from the northern part of the state to the southern.
    Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • By focusing on these 13 key pillars, India is weaving a future where tradition meets technology, and growth is inclusive and sustainable.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The nation also has a strong agricultural sector that has traditionally been focused on sugar, citrus and bananas, while more recently economic pillars are financial services and business process outsourcing (BPO).
    Panorama Media Ltd., Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And with the contract officially signed, Julia's boyfriend now has a legal—or at least, social—obligation to uphold his end of the deal.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The Supreme Court reluctantly upheld this exemption in cases in 1953 (Toolson) and 1972 (Flood), despite having previously refused to extend it to other sports and acknowledging the errors of Federal Baseball.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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