What's the difference between bolster and support?

How do I use bolster in a sentence?

Is bolster common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

bolster

/ˈboʊl.stɚ/

IELTSAcademic

verb

to give support or help to; to increase or strengthen something.

The report bolstered the case for change.
She tried to bolster his failing spirits.
These facts bolster our position.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: bolster is stronger than support (implies active strengthening) but less personal than encourage; writers choose bolster for evidence-based or institutional actions, not gentle emotional help.

In other languages

Spanish: reforzar
Japanese: 強化する
Korean: 강화하다
Vietnamese: phổ thông
Chinese: 增强

Common phrases

bolster supportbolster confidencebolster claimsbolster arguments

Synonyms

strengthen support increase enhance up

Frequently asked questions

Is bolster formal or informal?: Is bolster formal or informal?
What's the difference between bolster and support?: What's the difference between bolster and support?
How do I use bolster in a sentence?: How do I use bolster in a sentence?
Is bolster common in academic writing?: Is bolster common in academic writing?