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

Kevin Zeitler, 36, should further bolster the line at right guard next weekend against the Bears. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Some requests were for DeepSeek’s technology, a finding that bolsters assertions from Congress that the company is in bed with the CCP’s military and spying apparatus. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 3 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

Verb

Its extended takes were conceived from the outset to sustain the audience’s emotional involvement.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Asked whether companies could sustain strong profit growth in the third quarter, Dalio said investors should focus on free cash flow rather than earnings alone.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of sustain

Verb

The experience reinforced her belief that Vancouver has plenty of animation talent, but still needs more infrastructure for independent creators.

— Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Its amino-acid complex helps smooth and strengthen strands from the inside out, while amaranth extract reinforces fragile hair and baobab extract helps improve elasticity and bounce.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Noun

Los Feliz’s Shakespeare Bridge, a 262-foot span with Gothic-style arches and eight distinctive turrets, is approaching its 100th anniversary.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
While the exact time of the collapse is unknown, the Volcanoes National Park team said on social media Thursday that the arch was still standing on Wednesday, September 23, when the park was temporarily closed during Tropical Storm Nolo.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of arch

Verb

SeaGuardian is the maritime variant of the MQ-9B Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operated by the USN as part of a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) contract with GA-ASI supporting an ongoing capability assessment for the 7th Fleet.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
That is an extraordinarily broad claim, and current evidence does not support it.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

An ammunition depot was hit, as were a bulk carrier in the Chornomorsk port carrying dual-use goods and port infrastructure in Izmail, the ministry said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
As the hundreds of thousands of people made their way down the narrow roads following the politician, a few rerouted into the industry event, still carrying big flags and with faces lit up with hope.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of carry

Noun

The rural economy, largely dependent on farming, is also an important pillar of consumer spending.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
The ground floor features an 18-seat bar with a rum wall backsplash, carved Moai heads and high-tops that spill out to a lush faux-grass courtyard framed in palm trees and tiki-totem pillars.

— Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of pillar

Verb

The Missouri Supreme Court upheld that ban earlier this year in a unanimous ruling that allowed the state to continue prohibiting the procedures.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
Their death sentences were upheld by Iran's Supreme Court before being carried out Wednesday morning.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bolster

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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