boost 1 of 2

verb

ˈbüst How to pronounce boost (audio)
Definition of boostnext
1
as in to hoist
to lift with effort boosted the child into her car seat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number a promotion that boosted the number of interested customers milling about the showroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to enhance
to make markedly greater in measure or degree recommended eating foods that boost the body's immunity to disease

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4
as in to lift
to move from a lower to a higher place or position boosted the box onto the top shelf

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to promote
to provide publicity for boosted the singer's latest release with a round of appearances on all the talk and entertainment shows

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6
as in to steal
slang to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep the woman was nabbed trying to boost a couple of bottles of perfume

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

boost

2 of 2

noun

1
as in support
an act or instance of helping she always liked to give struggling families in the neighborhood a boost

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2
as in increase
something added (as by growth) a sudden boost in sales

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3
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity according to the President, a tax cut is just the boost that the economy needs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb boost contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of boost are elevate, heave, hoist, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

How does the word elevate relate to other synonyms for boost?

Elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

When would heave be a good substitute for boost?

Although the words heave and boost have much in common, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When might hoist be a better fit than boost?

The meanings of hoist and boost largely overlap; however, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When could lift be used to replace boost?

The synonyms lift and boost are sometimes interchangeable, but lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

In what contexts can raise take the place of boost?

The words raise and boost can be used in similar contexts, but raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

How are the words rear and raise related as synonyms of boost?

Rear may add an element of suddenness to raise.

suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of boost
Verb
According to the New York Fed survey, 14% will boost hiring in the next six months, doubling from 7% this year. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 Vesta curates vetted deals, structures co-investments, and builds brand and growth infrastructure to protect downside and boost upside. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
These slip-on block heels secure your foot with four rounded straps and give you an approachable boost of only 2 inches. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 Get the recipe > A favorite street snack in India, this corn salad gets a tangy boost from lime-cilantro dressing. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boost
  1. hoist
  2. increase
  3. enhance
  4. lift
  5. promote
  6. steal
  7. support
  8. gain
Verb
  • Oddsmakers have Josh Allen and the Bills as the most likely to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In the new video, Westman, with hair pulled back in a ponytail and wearing a T-shirt, is seen browsing the firearms and, at one point, even hoisting a rifle and aiming it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2025
Definition of hoist
Verb
  • Stimulated mitochondria generate more ATP, while improved circulation increases blood flow and oxygenation.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Protests have also broken out due to ICE checkpoints popping up around the city and the police increasing curfew zones for minors.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • He is known for his advocacy in advancing preventive healthcare models, with an emphasis on the role of lifestyle interventions in managing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.
    — Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro Just like the original Roborock Qrevo Curv that debuted at last year’s IFA, the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro has wheels that can lift the robot's chassis high enough to clear obstacles and thresholds.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The commercial arm has helped the players union become one of the most in-demand player collectives in sports, with merchandise sales projected to lift 115% this year (year-over-year).
    — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of lift
Verb
  • This team is once again dealing with turnover at offensive coordinator, with Kevin Patullo promoted over the offseason to replace Kellen Moore, who is now head coach of the Saints.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The Commission was also unimpressed by Jackson continuing to promote SPIS’ data around the location on the pitch and timing of Paqueta’s bookings during the game during cross-examination, despite the fact that the FA had abandoned this evidence.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of promote
Verb
  • The bots would impersonate beneficiaries, using dates of birth and other information that can be found on the internet, to try to change the beneficiaries’ bank-routing information and steal their benefits.
    — Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Through the first week of September, Soto stole three bases.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of steal
Noun
  • Podiatrists crafted them specifically to solve the lack of arch support in most shoes.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Thank you to everyone whos been showering so much love and support for the music and movie.
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of support
Noun
  • This is the classic Jevons Paradox where efficiency gains make technology cheaper to use, which drives more use overall.
    — Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Democrats, as of now, only need a net gain of three seats to take back the majority in the House, while the Senate will prove more of a stretch for them.
    — Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2025
Definition of gain

Browse Nearby Words

boos
boost
boosted
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Cite this Entry

“Boost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boost. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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