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GRE vocabulary

bolster

verbHigh-frequency wordMore B words

to support, strengthen, or reinforce

Word origin: From Old English bolster, a cushion or support.

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In a sentence

Bolster in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing bolster in a sentence.

Fresh evidence bolstered the prosecution's case.

Fresh survey data did much to bolster the researcher's otherwise contested hypothesis.

Synonyms
reinforcebuttressshore upfortify
Antonyms
undermineweaken

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Verbal · Sentence Equivalence

Although she had every reason to gloat after the verdict, the attorney remained blank, accepting the win without a hint of boastfulness.

Select the two answers that give the sentence the same meaning. 0 of 2 selected.

Usage & nuance

Using “bolster” well

Bolster means to prop up or strengthen, often an argument, claim, or morale. The image is of a bolster cushion supporting from beneath.

Common questions

Questions about “bolster”

Bolster (verb) means to support, strengthen, or reinforce
Here is bolster used in an example sentence: "Fresh evidence bolstered the prosecution's case." Another example: "Fresh survey data did much to bolster the researcher's otherwise contested hypothesis."
Common synonyms for bolster include reinforce, buttress, shore up, fortify.
Antonyms of bolster include undermine, weaken.
Bolster clusters with reinforce, buttress, shore up, and fortify. Its antonyms undermine and weaken are frequent opposite-context answers in Text Completion.
Yes. Bolster is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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