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

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

Verb

For over two decades, Blue Origin has been largely Bezos's personal space dream, sustained mainly by his private wealth.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The second driver was hospitalized with injuries sustained in the collision.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustain

Verb

The look also pulls from indie sleaze, which Trendalytics reports is up 80% in social buzz, reinforcing the messy, early-2000s finish that defines the trend.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Both formulas pair moisture-drawing glycerin with pea peptide and a trio of ceramides to condition and reinforce dry, stressed hair.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

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

As drawn on the field, the coaching boxes positioned in foul territory look like a three-sided bracket, closed off in every direction except backward, away from the baseline.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, housing is even more out of reach for those in lower-income brackets.

— Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of bracket

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

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of bolster

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes