bolster
Pronunciation: verb. Synonyms: reinforce, fortify, prop up
verb
Definition of bolster
lend support or boost
Synonyms for bolster
- reinforce
- fortify
- prop up
bolster in a Sentence
- She brought her best friend along to bolster her confidence.
Why bolster Matters for GRE & SAT
"bolster" is a verb that means "lend support or boost" closely related to words like "reinforce", "fortify", "prop up". As a word starting with B, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "bolster" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "bolster" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "bolster" into long-term memory.
How to Remember bolster
One effective way to remember "bolster" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "reinforce" and "fortify" and "prop up". When you encounter "bolster" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "lend support or boost".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "bolster" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with B
- banal — unoriginal and dull; lacking creativity
- banish — expel from a place, especially as punishment; get rid of
- baroque — overly detailed or ornamental
- barrage — an overwhelming concentration of something, typically hostile words
- barren — incapable of producing offspring or fruit; unproductive
- base — lacking principles; morally wrong
- bawdy — humorously dealing with sexual subjects; risqué in a comedic way
- befuddled — confused, bewildered, or perplexed
- beguile — charm or captivate, sometimes in a deceiving way
- belie — give a false impression of; mask