bolster 1 of 2

verb

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

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

as in arch

Related Words

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
Bukele is reportedly seeking to deploy more troops to bolster the force and to operate independently of the mission, answering directly to his commander on the ground in Haiti. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 The crescendo of outsider spending and criticisms could help bolster her appeal. — Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
Designed with plush ComfyFleece fabric and supportive memory foam, this dog bed gently cushions joints while the wraparound bolster sides create a secure, calming space for rest and relaxation. — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 14 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for bolster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolster
  1. sustain
  2. reinforce
  3. arch
  4. support
  5. bracket
  6. carry
  7. pillar
  8. uphold
Verb
  • But when mandates or control measures are used as the main tool in a crisis response, a short-term impact can be difficult to sustain.
    — Raj Panjabi, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to a person in his car dying from injuries sustained in the crash, another passenger was severely hurt, the release said.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of sustain
Verb
  • Mental health experts have voiced concerns about chatbots’ sycophancy, lack of clinical nuance, and ability to reinforce delusional beliefs.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Kim Yo Jong, widely viewed as the second most powerful official in Pyongyang, made the statement after visiting frontline areas where soldiers are reinforcing the border.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of reinforce
Noun
  • An arch of roses painted by Messel himself, long hidden beneath layers of paint, has now been carefully revealed and restored as a quiet gesture to the artist, and the spirit, behind the room.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The arch would be built at the foot of Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River on National Park Service land.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of arch
Verb
  • More than 120 countries supported the resolution — only three voted against it — Argentina, Israel and the United States.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The organizers included activist Amy Sousa and commentator Brandi Kruse, who previously helped organize rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • The two holiday stories feature characters in the older New Adult age bracket.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
  • On the other side of that bracket, West Orange travels to play Winter Haven.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of bracket
Verb
  • Each canister holds four missiles, allowing compatible launch systems to carry multiple interceptors within a single launch cell.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Kings carried their 1-0 lead deep into the second period.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of carry
Noun
  • Innovation will always be an important pillar of the award, said Christiane Dolva, the philanthropic organization’s head of innovation, research and demonstration.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Dedicated to the god Amun, it is known for its beautiful pillars and intricate carvings.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pillar
Verb
  • Courts have reached different conclusions, and state governments want the Supreme Court to uphold their right to impose restrictions on prediction-market gambling.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The decision upheld the constitutionality of the state's governmental immunity law as applied to wrongful death claims, which Stewart said are barred against governmental entities when the injury arises from a third-party assault or battery.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of uphold

Browse Nearby Words

bolshevism
bolster
bolstered
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Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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