bolster

[bohl-ster] / ˈboʊl stər /

VERB

help

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aid boost buoy buttress cushion help maintain reinforce shore up strengthen support sustain

STRONG

assist brace bulwark carry pillow prop stay uphold

WEAK

bear up buck up hold up pick up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block decrease discourage halt hinder hurt injure let down neglect obstruct stop undermine weaken

WEAK

not support prevent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The aim would be to bolster a stagnant labor market and drum up demand in key areas of the economy such as housing that have suffered from high borrowing costs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin on Friday to open a roster spot for the postseason, possibly to add a veteran guard to bolster backcourt while Doncic and Reaves are out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Governments, militaries, cable owners and tech startups are taking action to bolster the defenses of the world’s underwater cable network, through which most international data traffic travels.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Jones repeatedly claimed the family members were paid actors, taking part in a hoax to bolster support for repealing the Second Amendment.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

Khrushchev viewed a new alliance with Cuba as a chance to extend Soviet influence to America's backyard; Fidel Castro welcomed the chance to bolster his defenses against his aggressive American neighbor.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Vocabulary lists containing bolster

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "B"

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30 GRE Words Beginning with "B" & "C"

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