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
Congress should work to bolster vaccine access — from health coverage and reimbursement to physical distribution — and ensure federal messaging helps equip Americans to make informed vaccination choices. Michael C. Burgess, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026 But a victory could certainly bolster his position. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 30 Apr. 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
  • Wembanyama sustained the concussion in the first half of Tuesday’s 106-103 loss to the Blazers in San Antonio and did not return to the game.
    Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In the absence of federal leadership, sustaining impactful state programs are now more critical than ever.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That grip is reinforced by a litany of electronic nannies, all of which translate to an assuring sense of control and eagerness to discover more of the Valhalla’s powerfully balletic nature.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The measures were reinforced over the past 24 hours on the city’s outskirts with additional forces stationed along key airport access routes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • He was injured and absent from the squad that lost the Championship play-off final here two years ago, but, on this occasion, he would not be spared that especially severe kind of anguish under the arch.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The low-slung seating position, with heels nearly aligned to hips, takes its cue from motorsport, while the driver’s view is framed by prominent wheel arches that seem to sit at chest level.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Your browser does not support the video tag.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Zendaya − Holland's fiancée (or perhaps wife, if her longtime stylist Law Roach is to be believed) − also stopped by to support, in a stunning blue-and-white sundress.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • One proposal would add a fourth bracket, with replacement rates dropping from 90% to 30%, 10% and 5% as income rises.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Six Orange County boys volleyball teams are in the 12-team bracket for Division 1 in the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That projection is based on the player’s performance in each metric over the last three seasons (five for goalies), weighted for recency where more recent seasons carry more significance and regressed to the mean.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Moon amplifies Jupiter, helping your words land clearly and carry weight.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Downriver from the Shoshone Falls are the Pillar Falls, a low waterfall split by rock pillars.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
  • As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The questions go to the heart of the frustration expressed by business leaders such as Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank’s boss, who warned just this month at Semafor World Economy that South Africa’s anemic economic growth was down to the state’s basic inability to uphold the rule of law.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The ruling was slammed by Democrats across the nation and by the three more liberal justices on the high court, who rejected the conservative majority’s characterization that its decision upheld the Voting Rights Act rather than gutted it.
    Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bolster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolster. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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