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hoist

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hoist contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hoist are boost, elevate, heave, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When is it sensible to use boost instead of hoist?

The words boost and hoist are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 hoist?

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

elevated the taste of the public

When could heave be used to replace hoist?

In some situations, the words heave and hoist are roughly equivalent. However, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When is lift a more appropriate choice than hoist?

The synonyms lift and hoist are sometimes interchangeable, 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 hoist?

The meanings of raise and hoist largely overlap; however, 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 hoist?

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 hoist
Verb
Nothing galvanizes a team on the cusp like seeing a division rival hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025 The accessible changing restroom with hoist, from Momentum Refresh, now also includes a breastfeeding and sensory-friendly space. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
New best friends were made – at least for 120 minutes on a rainy weekend night – as beers were hoisted and lyrics were shouted. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025 Throughout carnival, there are flags everywhere – people swing them above their heads, tie them to their waists, and hoist them high from poles. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hoist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoist
Verb
  • Just seven seconds into the second quarter, Beck heaved the first touchdown pass of his Miami career to freshman slot receiver Malachi Toney, a product of Plantation American Heritage and UM’s top receiver Sunday with six catches for 82 yards and the score.
    Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Since 2023, the actor has regularly been photographed at the Studio City Farmers Market, arms—and Bode tote—heaving with tulips, pincushions, sunflowers, and sea lavender.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Aug. 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
  • So pack that sunscreen, toss a floppy hat into your weekend bag, and get ready to sip fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Regardless, the judges sipped this one in the blind.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • What the Panama Playlists reveal The playlists range from ironic to eyebrow-raising, with some choices feeling almost too on the nose.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Curiosity is the key to connection Scientists and parenting experts have come a long way toward understanding how brain science can inform child-raising.
    Nancy L. Weaver, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 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
Verb
  • Some research has also found that evening folks tend to have less-healthy habits than morning ones—you’re just more apt to do things like smoke and drink at night, for instance.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help prevent cavities and tooth decay for a few reasons.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • According to The Independent, the helicopter lost contact eight minutes after takeoff.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • For instance, in 2014 NASA initiated studies into electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft concepts; this was seven years in advance of the Air Force’s Agility Prime initiative or later Army interest in these concepts.
    Mike Hirschberg, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The pressure is always on the taker, the player standing, gulping, trying desperately not to unload their lunch onto the turf, preparing to do something theoretically simple — kick the ball into the net from 12 yards with only one opponent able to stop them.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Pick safe toys: Choose small, flat toys like flying discs instead of large ones that might encourage gulping water.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hoist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoist. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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