1
2
as in to lift
to move from a lower to a higher place or position the old trick of using a fat phone book to elevate a child to a more comfortable position at the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elevate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elevate are boost, heave, hoist, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

When could boost be used to replace elevate?

The words boost and elevate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

In what contexts can heave take the place of elevate?

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

heaved the heavy crate inside

When is hoist a more appropriate choice than elevate?

In some situations, the words hoist and elevate are roughly equivalent. However, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When can lift be used instead of elevate?

The words lift and elevate can be used in similar contexts, but lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

Where would raise be a reasonable alternative to elevate?

While the synonyms raise and elevate are close in meaning, 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 elevate?

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 elevate Agnes, draped in autumnal tweed and khaki, elevates her seminar into a kind of allegorical stage for academia. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025 This elegant dress instantly elevates any travel wardrobe. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025 This nautical accent elevates any summer soirée by bringing an elevated fisherman aesthetic to your gathering. Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025 Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy categories, remains elevated at 2.5%. Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for elevate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevate
Verb
  • In a moment that has fans talking and excited more than ever, Ross is joined by her Girlfriends co-stars Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones, and Persia White, marking their first onscreen reunion in years.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025
  • But here’s what really excites me: This isn’t just about the wealthy getting wealthier.
    Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Sealing your grout is a great way to prevent further staining and using a steam cleaner can help to lift the stains.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • As much as another clock-gobbling Skinner-Alcaraz title bout or a deep run by Gauff will help lift ESPN’s Wimbledon deliveries, perhaps nothing would get the Nielsen dials spinning like another plunge into the meteorological swamp.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump promoted tax cuts and border security among the provisions to support in the legislation.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • In addition to adding decorative flair to windows and doors, these multipurpose window treatments promote privacy and block light, with many designs offering temperature-regulating and sound-dampening qualities to boot.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The show is also designed to exalt Avignon’s many attractions, with a monumental gold archway erected on its partial medieval bridge (only four arches survive) to works housed in 10 museums, all free to enter.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • Over in the House of Representatives chamber, the decor exalts legislative landmarks.
    Fara Dabhoiwala, Harpers Magazine, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Other than suggesting a few corrections, Jefferson’s colleagues were elated by the text.
    Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 17 June 2025
  • And the reason this is elating to watch — in the way that a movie about the making of almost any other movie might not be — is that there’s barely any separation between the film Godard is making and what’s happening off camera.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Business leaders must raise their voices—not just for equity, but for the sustainability and competitiveness of their own industries.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The statistics seem to suggest that some students and workers are growing dependent on free AI tools—a usage pattern that might become lucrative if AI companies were to begin restricting access or raising prices.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • In the past five years, the museum has focused on significant improvements to its existing building, including the addition of the new Berg Family Library, upgraded flooring, and other critical enhancements.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
  • Maintaining its classical beauty, upgraded to modern hospitality standards, Silverado is more appealing than ever.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Homer himself uses natural metaphors to ennoble violent human actors: Achilles is a wildfire sweeping across the Trojan plain.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Its main focus is ennobling the essence of lava as a driving force for innovation in a contemporary age, as well as celebrating its centuries-old Neapolitan craftsmanship that has led to the creation of scenographic spaces, settings and projects.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elevate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elevate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!