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Is the word boato the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "boato" has the same meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The difference lies strictly in pronunciation:

• In Brazilian Portuguese: Depending on the region (especially in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo), the "t" is often pronounced as an affricate [tʃ], sounding like "boat-cho." The final "o" is usually a clear [u] sound.
• In Continental Portuguese: The "t" is a dental [t], produced with the tongue against the teeth. Additionally, Portuguese from Portugal features more significant vowel reduction, meaning unstressed vowels can sound much more "closed" or neutralized compared to the Brazilian pronunciation.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Não acredita nesse boato, é mentira. (Don't believe that rumor, it's a lie.)
2. Estão espalhando um boato sobre o chefe na empresa. (They are spreading a rumor about the boss in the company.)
3. Eu ouvi um boato de que o shopping vai fechar logo. (I heard a rumor that the mall is going to close soon.)
4. Esse boato está todo mundo comentando aqui no grupo. (Everyone in the group is commenting on this rumor.)
5. O boato acabou morrendo por falta de provas. (The rumor ended up dying due to lack of evidence.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Não dês ouvidos a esse boato. (Don't listen to that rumor.)
2. Está a circular um boato muito estranho na escola. (A very strange rumor is circulating in the school.)
3. O boato espalhou-se rapidamente por toda a vila. (The rumor spread quickly through the whole village.)
4. Não creias nesse boato sem qualquer fundamento. (Don't believe that rumor without any basis.)
5. É apenas um boato que não tem qualquer importância. (It is just a rumor that has no importance whatsoever.)