heave 1 of 2

1
as in to hoist
to lift with effort I heaved my duffel bag into the bus's overhead compartment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to vomit
to discharge the contents of the stomach through the mouth heaved as soon as he stepped off the roller coaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
as in to gasp
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty by the time he reached the top step of the tower, he was heaving

Synonyms & Similar Words

heave

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb heave contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of heave are boost, elevate, hoist, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When might boost be a better fit than heave?

The synonyms boost and heave are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 heave?

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

elevated the taste of the public

When is hoist a more appropriate choice than heave?

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

hoisted the cargo on board

Where would lift be a reasonable alternative to heave?

The words lift and heave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

When can raise be used instead of heave?

The words raise and heave 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 do rear and raise relate to one another, in the sense of heave?

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 heave
Verb
Additional motorsport-style heave dampers act to suppress squat and dive, giving the bespoke Pirelli Trofeo R tires a fighting chance of relaying 1,257 ft lbs of torque to the road. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025 At a rally for the slain child outside of the Joseph Campau Church of God on Friday, Aug. 1, the grieving father tried to get words out but couldn't through heaves and sobs. Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
And started just heaving crying. Hannah Parry anna Commander sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025 Downtown and The Gulch Best for: Unbeatable live music in the center of the city Downtown Nashville is positively heaving with things to do, see, and eat, from late night music to one of the most unique museums in the country. Aislyn Greene, AFAR Media, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heave
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
Verb
  • Then, early in the morning of February 18, Chernyak began having seizures and vomiting in his bunk bed.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The first crazy thing that happens to the movie Smurls is when a kitchen chandelier almost falls on them, though the most visceral is when oldest sister Dawn Smurl (Beau Gadsdon) suddenly vomits up pieces of glass, leaving the sink and her face a bloody mess.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
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
Verb
  • While much of last season was a lost cause due to Tua Tagovailoa being injured, the Dolphins still aren't throwing the ball downfield.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Or, take after Aniston by throwing them on with flip-flops and a basic T-shirt.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The fears of my imagination, the possibility of losing a child due to one inattentive moment, all combined to leave me gasping for breath.
    Adam Verner September 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
  • After a moment, the woman gasped for air.
    Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Zamir said a military thrust into Gaza City would endanger hostages and further strain the already overstretched army, according to four ministers and two military officials present at the meeting.
    Emily Rose, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Vectored thrust is the ability to change the angle of the thrust.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Born in what is now Zimbabwe, Bland spent hours as a child hurling stones at telegraph poles.
    James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Protesters hurled rocks at government vehicles, breaking windows and side-view mirrors, according to prosecutors.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The deal, brokered after a standoff between state and county officials resulting from a disagreement over whether to raise assessments this year, means homeowners will see a nearly 7% increase above their 2024 property valuation.
    Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Bundy family said information about the object removed from Ryan Bundy’s arm could raise more questions in the incident.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Heave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heave. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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