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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lift contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lift are boost, elevate, heave, hoist, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

When is boost a more appropriate choice than lift?

The words boost and lift can be used in similar contexts, 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 lift?

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

elevated the taste of the public

When would heave be a good substitute for lift?

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

heaved the heavy crate inside

When is it sensible to use hoist instead of lift?

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

hoisted the cargo on board

In what contexts can raise take the place of lift?

While in some cases nearly identical to lift, 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 lift?

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 lift
Verb
Congress initially expanded the insurance premium tax credits in 2021 to lower out-of-pocket health care costs, increasing assistance available to those eligible while expanding the pool of people who qualify by lifting the income cap. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Adding in a few drops of dish soap to the solution can help lift the stains and water spots for spotless windows. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Knicks also have adequate depth now, especially in the backcourt, where newcomers Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon are expected to give them a lift offensively. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 In December 2023, snow resorts Alts Bandai and Nekoma Snow Park & Resort joined forces as Nekoma Mountain, now offering a total of 13 lifts and 33 courses on 467 acres. Adam H. Graham, AFAR Media, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • For the event, which raises money for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Gomez exuded old Hollywood elegance in a glamorous black gown featuring sparkly embellishments.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Sanders backed Platner’s campaign, and the senatorial hopeful has raised millions of dollars for his campaign.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today, Long Island remains a blend of suburban life, coastal culture, and historic estates while also facing challenges of rising seas and housing affordability.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Their risk of major depression rose by about 16%, while there was no significant association among men.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • More recently, two pieces of 16th-century armor were returned to the Louvre Museum almost 40 years after they were stolen.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
  • San Diego police arrested a person suspected of stealing a fire engine in south San Diego and driving it up Interstate 5 to Fallbrook Saturday evening, officials said.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Powell finished with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, 3-of-6 shooting from behind the arc and 4-of-5 shooting from the foul line, six assists and one steal in 25 minutes.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Jackson, who grabbed three rebounds with three assists to two turnovers while failing to score in the scrimmage, missed the entire 2024-25 season because of a torn patellar tendon.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Horseback riding is a popular choice, and visitors can go on rides on weekends in May, September, and October, and daily from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In footage obtained by WRAL News, passengers appear nervous as they remain stranded at the top of the ride, overlooking the rest of the fairground.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Utah incident showed how counter protesters, too, can elevate tensions.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Sides and sauces, each carefully chosen, elevated every meal.
    Essence, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Here, fans sit above the pit straight and start-finish line, roughly level with Turn 1 as the track climbs steeply up toward them.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In the three-way race that followed, Cuomo’s support climbed to 33 percent, indicating that many of Adams’ former voters migrated to him—while Mamdani’s overall numbers held steady.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a world where people have grown increasingly accustomed to finding love by swiping right or left, this little Irish town and its festival offers something different.
    Bernadette Keith, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Give it a quick shake to mix the milky layers, swipe it on, and watch rough, uneven skin do a 180.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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