BOLSTERING Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

bolstering

verb

present participle of bolster

as in sustaining

to hold up or serve as a foundation for used additional beams to bolster the ceiling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in reinforcing

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

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 bolstering The county brought the team to continue bolstering A Home for All’s work. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 The World Bank has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into grants for modernizing the Syrian financial sector, restoring water access, and bolstering its healthcare system. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026 Nvidia is bolstering support for Chinese artificial intelligence models in a play to beat domestic chipmakers to optimizing hardware for the systems. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 To overhaul the roster, Jerry Jones and the front office prioritized bolstering the defense through both free agency and the draft. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Perdue told the crowd on Wednesday that the strength of his new agency comes from its staff, which needs bolstering from the next generation of emergency response professionals. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Andrews is running on a platform of improving health care access, including expanding the Affordable Care Act insurance coverage for more South Carolinians, and bolstering public health agencies. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Tubi has been steadily bolstering its international service with studio movies and series. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 But another top priority would be bolstering the city’s cultural self-esteem. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolstering

Verb

More than any position group, the Terps’ weakness right now is just sustaining success – for a full season or even a full 60 minutes in big games.

— Noah Trister, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Ariana Grande will take the stage in London tonight in comfortable footwear rather than her signature heels after sustaining a minor injury.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Verb

At the center, a Geometric CNC Fuller visually reduces the mass of the blade while reinforcing Razorbill's distinctive multi-faceted character.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Michon will be tasked with expanding Messika’s retail footprint, reinforcing its organization and distribution, and accelerating brand-building across the region.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of reinforcing

Verb

The Moon trines your ruler Mercury in your sign, supporting careful edits, useful explanations, and conversations that stay on track.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2026
In a declaration supporting their complaint, Becker noted that California is mulling a bill, SB 813, that would establish a process where independent organizations would set baselines for AI safety standards.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporting

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
Two supertankers carrying Saudi oil were struck on Monday, undermining the White House’s claims that the Strait of Hormuz is safe for navigation.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of carrying

Verb

God has created and knows only the spiritual universe, in which divine law reigns and rules, upholding all that is good and true.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
Banchi Hanuse works across film and radio as a co-founder of Nuxalk Radio, supporting Nuxalk language revitalization, upholding Nuxalk Nationhood and advocating for stewardship of Nuxalk homelands.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of upholding

Verb

Text messages outline concerns over a diabetic coma Blodgett was staying at a foster home in metro Phoenix where only the house manager was trained in managing his diabetes.

— Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
There are hotels where the lobby is the main event, designed as much for the people dropping in for a drink as those actually staying there.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of staying

Browse Nearby Words

bolsterers

bolstering

bolsters

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Style

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

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Synonyms of bolstering

verb

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