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

Still, the Sky have not earned a reputation for sustaining a system from year to year — and the status of the remaining roster does not lend itself to a building process for the Sky.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Trey Moore, who had emerged as a front-runner to start at linebacker for the Dolphins, will be out awhile after sustaining an ankle injury during Saturday’s 26-3 preseason loss to the Giants.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Verb

These funds have been vital for reinforcing vulnerable coastal infrastructure against severe weather, addressing deferred maintenance, and ensuring the long-term preservation of key visitor-facing structures.

— Lulu Vilas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Micron , Broadcom , Synopsys and Cadence Design also appeared on the sympathy list, reinforcing how Nvidia has become a read-through for companies across the chip space.

— Nick Wells, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcing

Verb

The bridge’s 22 piers were seismically retrofitted from the water upward in 2002, but the underwater infrastructure supporting the piers hasn’t been renovated or upgraded since the bridge opened to traffic in 1969.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
Fewer workers are splitting the cost of supporting a larger, longer-living retired population.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Today, many of those same routes have found a second life, carrying travelers through some of the West’s most spectacular scenery while offering a glimpse into Colorado’s storied past.

— Jocelyn Rowley, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Guidance includes carrying ample water and supplies, checking road and weather conditions in advance and taking an alternative means of communication, such as a satellite communicator or emergency beacon.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of carrying

Verb

During the May 21 vote, many board members lamented that their hands were tied by state law and a 3rd District Appellate Court ruling upholding the state’s solar siting regulations.

— Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
His appeals were rejected in 2016 by a Supreme Court decision upholding the death penalty.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of upholding

Verb

Lugo is now staying at HHH recuperative care, a 100-bed interim housing program with on-duty medical staff.

— Rina Nakano, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
McVay says the Rams are still open to Aaron Donald returning, but the team is also staying focused on its preparations for the season.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of staying

Browse Nearby Words

bolsterers

bolstering

bolsters

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

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Synonyms of bolstering

verb

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