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 For him, making art and elevating its presence in the world were pursuits of equivalent importance. News Desk, Artforum, 1 May 2025 The role of the artist —especially that Syd Barrett/Brian Wilson type — is a bit of a toxic one, because culture really elevates those who fly very close to the sun and get burnt. Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025 Naomi has been elevated as a villain for the first time in nearly a decade while her tremendous heel work has also helped Cargill become one of WWE’s most popular stars. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 That’s what elevates the stakes of every relationship in this show. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elevate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevate
Verb
  • While some residents were excited by the prospect of more surveillance in their neighborhoods, others were less optimistic about how effective the cameras will be at reducing crime.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • Silva walked me through all the options before gently steering me toward activities that would excite me without giving me a heart attack.
    Liz Humphreys, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Bird flu has continued to decimate the egg supply, lifting prices.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Mark Carney won the Canadian election to continue his term as prime minister, Canadian and U.S. news outlets reported late Monday night, closing his victory after President Donald Trump's aggressive rhetoric and tariffs lifted the ruling Liberal Party to a remarkable political comeback.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Among the cuts this year to the permanent employees were 200 probationary staff, dismissed because they had been either recently hired or recently promoted.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Healthcare advancements greatly influenced by AI include centralizing patient information and promoting individualized patient care (Glauberman, et.al, 2023).
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The Vatican has for centuries sought to exalt faith through art, building monuments to biblical figures and church leaders.
    Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Students and staff at Florida State University came together in a peaceful vigil and serene outdoor service on Holy Saturday to exalt their strong sense of community after a shooting sent shockwaves across the campus of nearly 45,000 students.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The play ignited the crowd and elated his coach, who ran over and embraced Aidan Mahaney at the scorer’s table.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The play ignited the crowd and elated his coach, who ran over and embraced Aidan Mahaney at the scorer’s table.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Born in Clarksburg on Sept. 9, 1944, Patrick was raised in the Chestnut Hills area of the city and graduated from Washington Irving High School.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Uncertainty over Microsoft’s plans for Windows 12 may also be leaving some consumers and businesses unsure over whether to upgrade to a Windows 11 PC or wait for a new operating system.
    Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The roster has certainly been upgraded since Mara’s comments.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 28 Apr. 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 6 May. 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!