Word
bolstering
Phoneticsbol·ster·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈboʊɫstɝɪŋ/
UK/bˈəʊlstəɹɪŋ/
Definition
v. to make something stronger by adding support to it. You use this when you help an idea, feeling, or team feel more solid.
v. to strengthen or reinforce a claim, feeling, or structure by adding support.
Examples
“She is bolstering her argument with clear facts.”
“The coach is bolstering the team's confidence with extra practice before the final.”
“The central bank is bolstering market confidence by buying bonds while signaling slower rate rises ahead.”
Examples
simple
“She is bolstering her argument with clear facts.”
contextual
“The coach is bolstering the team's confidence with extra practice before the final.”
complex
“The central bank is bolstering market confidence by buying bonds while signaling slower rate rises ahead.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bolstering” in context.
Verb
01. bolster by investment
“The railway was bolstered by major foreign investment.”
verb + prep + noun
02. bolster confidence
“Strong job figures bolstered confidence in the economic recovery.”
verb + noun
03. bolster economy
“Lower taxes are intended to bolster the local economy.”
verb + noun
04. bolster morale
“The coach's speech bolstered morale before the crucial final match.”
verb + noun
Noun
05. bolster alliance
“Joint exercises bolstered the military alliance.”
verb + noun
06. bolster argument
“Statistics bolstered his argument for healthcare reform.”
verb + noun
07. bolster reputation
“The award has bolstered the university's academic reputation.”
verb + noun
08. bolster security
“Extra patrols bolstered security around the summit venue.”
verb + noun
09. bolster morale among troops
“Extra leave helped bolster morale among the troops.”
10. bolster public confidence
“The central bank acted quickly to bolster public confidence.”
11. bolster reputation with voters
“The mayor's housing plan bolstered his reputation with voters.”
12. bolster security along the border
“Drones were deployed to bolster security along the border.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“On Saturday, their numbers were bolstered by trade union members and other protest groups.” “Sangaré’s mission was to bolster the Forest midfield and yet he was slow to react to a half-cleared ball.” “Arteta was instrumental in reshaping Arsenal’s medical department over the summer, when the former Aston Villa team doctor Arnaldo Abrantes arrived, and is believed to have bolstered his backroom staff in other areas.” “Her best Chelsea sides were built with midfielders whose technical acumen were bolstered by their tireless commitment to tracking back and pressing.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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