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
Activist investor Elliott Management has amassed a stake in French industrial giant Air Liquide and is pushing management to bolster its lagging profit margins, according to people familiar with the matter. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 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
  1. sustain
  2. reinforce
  3. arch
  4. support
  5. bracket
  6. carry
  7. pillar
  8. uphold
Verb
  • For crews responsible for sustaining the Minuteman III fleet, that capability could prove valuable as the system’s service life continues.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The midfielder turned right-back sustained the damage during Sunday’s 4-3 defeat at Chelsea after he was struck in the face by the ball.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of sustain
Verb
  • Leeds, their defence reinforced by the arrival of Tarik Muharemovic, look like a tough nut to crack.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike ceramides, which reinforce the moisture barrier, or hyaluronic acid, which mainly hydrates at the surface, urea can moisturize and, at higher strengths, exfoliate dead skin cells.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of reinforce
Noun
  • At about 250 feet, the arch would be more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The arch will disturb the sightline between more landmarks than anticipated, the report said.
    — Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of arch
Verb
  • Our team of Victim Advocates are supporting those involved in what happened today.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Easley said a community gathering organized in support of the brewery on Saturday drew a large crowd, with some of the drag brunch’s vendors and a food truck showing up to support the brewery.
    — Evan Moore August 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Similarly, selling appreciated assets all at once can move you into a higher IRMAA bracket.
    — Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Stefanski and Saleh are not in the same age bracket as McCarthy, Harbaugh and Monken, but their hires belong in the same argument.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of bracket
Verb
  • Washington claimed that the launchers were preparing to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the Hormuz Strait.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • When difficulty arrives, will your routines carry you forward?
    — Jason Bork, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of carry
Noun
  • Volkswagen’s prosperity was recently based on two pillars – huge profits earned in China, and the highly successful German base where its engineers led the world for decades in making and exporting advanced sedans and SUVs.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Narrower set of engines Next week's nonfarm payrolls report could also give some reassurance on how the economy is doing, which remains robust but with weakening pillars of support.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of pillar
Verb
  • He was arrested later that month, in Texas, but was released from jail on August 27th, after Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, refused to extradite him back to Minnesota, a decision upheld by a federal judge.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • If the executive order is enacted and ultimately upheld by the courts, states would have to provide lists of eligible voters to the federal government, and any mail-in ballots would only be sent to people on those lists.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of uphold

Browse Nearby Words

bolshevism
bolster
bolstered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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