bolstered

American  

[bohl-sterd] / ˈboʊl stərd /

adjective

1. pillowed or cushioned; provided with firm but comfortable support.

   The bolstered seats of this car bear-hug you to a point where all you can do is melt into them.

2. supported, strengthened, increased, or made more effective.

   A bolstered bicycle network will improve mobility for cyclists around the city by creating more connections between routes.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of bolster.

Other Word Forms

• unbolstered adjective

Etymology

Origin of bolstered

bolster ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Nonetheless, bolstered by our energy independence, look for corporate America to impress in the first quarter.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The Philippines has declared a state of national energy emergency, South Korea has launched an energy-saving campaign, and Japan has bolstered its fund for subsidies for gasoline and other fuels.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Chicago’s distressed dining scene—recently described as “on the brink of collapse”—was bolstered by good news last week, as the City Council voted to halt future increases in the minimum wage for servers and bartenders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Since the state’s production incentive program was bolstered last year, more than 100 films and TV projects have received tax credits.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

I had a whispered conversation with my sisters, bolstered by the letter I’d sent the month before.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

• approved
• assisted
• endorsed
• favored