bolster 1 of 2

Definition of bolsternext
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
Two new venues are opening this year to bolster the city’s live-music draw. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026 Both of them suggest the guitarist Loren Connors leading the early roars of Earth, his intuitive way of navigating the instrument’s neck bolstered by a formidable wall of hum at his back. Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 14 May 2026
Noun
On the Santoku knife, the bolster (where the blade meets the handle) seemed barely seated, and the handle was too short for even my small hands to feel comfortable. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 17 Jan. 2026 Each end is equipped with a removable bolster pillow to create a cozy spot to undo your laces at the end of the day, while the interior cubby is spacious enough to hold anything from vibrant bedding to seasonal decor. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster
Verb
  • Now, a new study suggests researchers may have found the first drug regimen capable of rapid and sustaining relief from suicidal thoughts across a broad group of patients.
    Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Officials allege the group sold the oil under false pretenses and used the profits to sustain and expand the original food fraud scheme.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Excluding unhoused people from public spaces reinforces stigma and weakens the social bonds that support stability and recovery.
    Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The device has been deployed in the marine testing area of BiMEP, located off the coast of Bizkaia, reinforcing the role of this infrastructure for testing and research of marine energy technologies in Europe.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • This photograph captures the first full Milky Way arch ever taken at Valle Fértil, Argentina.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • Set the scene Set on 25 acres atop a dramatic bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the resort’s white exterior, punctuated by evocative arches, highlights the bright turquoise water below, creating a stunning setting.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Your browser does not support the video tag.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • That’s not supported by the data.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • In all three cases, the light-saber-like lighting unit itself quickly attaches/detaches to and from a bayonet mount at the rear end of the main bracket.
    Ben Coxworth May 15, New Atlas, 15 May 2026
  • The brackets will be announced Sunday.
    Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The outbreak linked to the MV Hondius began after the Dutch cruise ship, carrying 147 passengers and crew members, departed Argentina on April 1 for a South Atlantic voyage.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • The Knicks’ wings have carried their defense throughout this playoff run.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The library is a one-story brick building with two white pillars up front sticking out like tusks, smooth and thin.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Laneda made Cornerstone Baptist Church another pillar of Jeffries’s upbringing.
    Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • According to the February report, a primary aim of the committee’s recommendations was to uphold both the internal and external roles of a rigorous grading system.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • The Supreme Court heard arguments in January and appeared likely to uphold the state bans.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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