BOOST Synonyms: 343 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

boost 1 of 2

verb

ˈbüst

Definition of boost

as in to hoist

to lift with effort boosted the child into her car seat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to enhance

to make markedly greater in measure or degree recommended eating foods that boost the body's immunity to disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to lift

to move from a lower to a higher place or position boosted the box onto the top shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

boost

2 of 2

noun

as in support

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in increase

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in incentive

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The World Cup and Amazon’s Prime Day sale helped boost spending last month, according to economists, though lower gas prices weighed on the government’s retail figures, since they’re not adjusted for inflation. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 The slingback sandal features a curvaceous strap design that leaves the foot mostly bare, while a stiletto heel boosts the style. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

Noun

The chip industry also provides an economic boost to an otherwise sluggish Chinese economy. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 15 July 2026 But domestic spending and investment have lagged, limiting the boost from export manufacturing for an economy that has struggled to regain momentum since parts of China were locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boost

Recent Examples of Synonyms for boost

Verb

England has been one of the betting favorites—behind only France, Argentina and possibly Spain—to eventually hoist the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.

— Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of hoist

Verb

In recent months, drone sightings in Nikopol have increased from two or three per day to about three every hour, day and night, Varytsev says.

— Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Homelessness after incarceration increases the chances that someone will end up back behind bars, at a steep cost to taxpayers.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

That impressive steak, seasoned just right to enhance the natural flavors of the wagyu beef, is just one reason to visit Enzo Steakhouse at Trilith in Fayetteville.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
Wider Michelin tires come standard, as does enhanced regenerative braking and handy access panels to make servicing easier – a feature your mechanic will certainly appreciate.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

Henderson, who was identified by witnesses as a former employee of the restaurant, is accused of serving as Child’s getaway driver, using a maroon pickup that was recently reported stolen in Canyon County, police said.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
He was expelled from Congress while facing criminal charges over stealing from donors and his campaign, fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits and lying to Congress about his wealth.

— Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Definition of steal

Noun

Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.

— Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Ukraine is expected to be central in Ankara, with debate focused on long-term military support, Kyiv’s own defense industry and what NATO can learn from the country after more than four years of full-scale war.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of support

Noun

Issues of potential fertility decline in this male population also need to be addressed, as well as signs of high testosterone including sleep issues, excess body hair, liver disease, weight gain and mood disorders.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
But without housing, any gains from those programs could be short-lived, Montalvo said.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of gain

Browse Nearby Words

boos

boost

boosted

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Style

“Boost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boost. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of boost

verb

noun

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