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to bolster

to bolster

4 4.8
To add padding to something to make it more comfortable
  • verb
  • /ˈboʊlstər/
translation icon : acolchar
  • She added extra cushions to bolster the comfort of the sofa.

Examples

  • SM also can bolster self-efficacy.

    Academic text (2009)
  • In addition to existing messages distributed by media, local public agencies may wish to bolster their existing internet information for the community, as well as outreach through local veterinarians.

    Academic text (2012)
  • And then you can actually use that as a way to bolster the interview process itself.

  • The search giant plans to bolster its Google+ photo features.

    Blog text (10)
  • One approach to bolster the standing of music is to add more opportunities to express the art through educational collaboration.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Findings from the survey, as shown in Table 1, bolster this contention.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Even marginally better outcomes using clean water would bolster my reputation and business.

    Blog text (24)
  • Airline uses CAD to bolster cockpit doors.

    Academic text (2002)
  • To bolster the tank's insulating properties, a vacuum is drawn between the two layers of steel.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The experts have not retracted their claims that the ESS review process was flawed, but now the project's planners are focusing on bolstering their scientific case in the hopes of winning the science council's endorsement on appeal.

    Academic text (2002)

Synonyms

to support
vsto bolster
240 1.0

Hold up something so it does not fall

adds cushioning or padding to make the object more comfortable and secure
to brace
vsto bolster
150 4.4

To make something stronger or prepare yourself for something difficult

centres on adding padding for comfort rather than mental readiness or bracing
to prop up
vsto bolster
54 3.6

Support something so it does not fall or fail

focuses on adding cushioning or padding rather than only propping
to shore
vsto bolster
  • Specialized
47 7.1

To support a building or wall by placing a beam against it

emphasizes soft padding for comfort rather than heavy reinforcement
to pad
vsto bolster
39 3.1

To add soft material to make something thicker and more comfortable

also provides firm support and security beyond soft lining
to pillow
vsto bolster
3 3.7

To rest your head on a soft cushion for comfort

adds padding and wider support not only for head resting
to buttress
vsto bolster
  • Specialized
1 7.3

To add a strong support against a wall to keep it standing

provides gentle cushioning and internal support rather than external reinforcement
to bolster up
vsto bolster
4.2

To give help to someone or something to make them stronger

adds soft padding to increase comfort and overall security
to brace up
vsto bolster
5.5

To make something strong and supported from below with extra beams

uses soft padding to improve comfort rather than only adding structure

Phrasal Verbs

To make someone feel more sure of themselves

Make people think better of someone

To give help to someone or something to make them stronger

How Supportive

to fortify
3 5.1
to reinforce
99 3.9
to bolster
4 4.8
to support
753 1.4
to pad
39 3.1

Surface Forms

bolster infinitive
bolstered past
bolstered past participle
bolstering present participle
bolsters third person singular

Etymology

Bolster originally meant 'pillow', so a helpful way to remember the verb is to think of adding a soft pad or 'cushion' to make something more comfortable. That's why to bolster something is to add padding or support.