bolster

/ˈbəʊlstə/verb

To give something extra support or make it stronger.

Example sentences

“Winning the first match bolstered her confidence for the rest of the tournament.”
“The new evidence bolstered the lawyer's case against the company.”

Collocates with confidence, a case, an argument, and defenses. The verb comes from the noun for a long firm pillow that props you up.

Featured as word of the day on June 24, 2026.

Synonyms for bolster

strengthen
boost
reinforce
support
shore up

Antonyms

weaken
undermine

Related words

boneOne of the hard, pale pieces that together form the skeleton of a person or animal.boldBrave and confident, and willing to take risks.bonusExtra money that an employer pays a worker on top of their normal salary, often for good work.boisterousLoud, lively, and full of energy.bookmarkA saved link in a web browser that lets you quickly return to a page.boilerA machine that heats water or another liquid so the heat can be carried through a system.