LEVER Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

lever 1 of 2

verb

Definition of lever

as in to pry

to raise, move, or pull apart with or as if with a lever the workers used crowbars to lever the heavy stone block into its new position

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

join
connect

lever

2 of 2

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 lever

Verb

The small, seemingly insignificant experience of controlling an automobile by clutching and levering its gears turned out to be deeply meaningful. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 At one point, after Gabriel won a header by levering himself up on Haaland’s shoulders, the two grappled on the turf as the game continued around them. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Noun

Every lever that once nudged wealth toward charity has grown weaker. — Vandana Arcot, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 Use the lever to push the claws down over the weed with your foot, then remove your foot and lean the handle towards the lever. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lever

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lever

Verb

The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 4th House of Home, Family, and Emotional Roots, pulling your focus toward rest, privacy, space, or household needs.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
With a steam engine, the boat pulled heavy cargo between Budapest and other towns along the Danube.

— CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of pull

Noun

To unfold it, step on the base, pull the release knob, and choose the preferred height, which is then secured with the locking mechanism.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Its front door was six inches too short for its frame and outfitted with a bathroom push knob instead of a lever handle, almost as if the original slab had been blown from its casing by an internal explosion.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of knob

Verb

With their victory, Cameroon became just the fourth nation to lift the WAFCON trophy since 1998 and the third to win both the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations (alongside Nigeria and South Africa).

— Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The rally powering the major averages this year has lifted small-cap stocks – and several also offer dividend income and the prospect for further gains.

— Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of lift

Noun

The Clueless Capsule Kit will feature Cher’s infamous yellow-plaid set, layered tops, button-front skirts, workout wear and overalls inspired by Tai.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
On the road With the push of a button, the van’s doors parted like an elevator.

— Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of button

Noun

Those system switches in 2024-25 were made because key winger Ephron Mason-Clark picked up an injury.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Bacteria become switches The researchers used Pantoea agglomerans, a bacterium commonly found on plants and other surfaces.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of switch

Noun

Every big investment firm has piled into insurance, turning the risk dial up and printing money for themselves while regulators and ratings agencies looked the other way.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2026
There's also the brand's signature Chronocluster that displays engine speed in RPM, vehicle speed, and turbo boost info all in a single multi-faced dial.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of dial

Noun

The hyperscalers now ship routing inside Amazon Bedrock, Vertex AI and Azure AI Foundry, and any customer large enough to negotiate provider discounts already has bring-your-own-key as an exit.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Drop the car keys and board the wooden motor yacht affectionately named Truman.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of key

Noun

The gear selector, mounted on a lever on the right side of the steering wheel near the wiper controls rather than a traditional gear shift, took some getting used to.

— Keith Laing, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
The car is fit with a four-speed Wilson pre-selector transmission.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of selector

Browse Nearby Words

levels

lever

leverage

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Lever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lever. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lever

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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