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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
The machines autonomously lifted and placed panels onto racking structures, at the Goorambat East site, located near the city of Benalla, approximately 130 miles northeast of Melbourne. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025 Saudi Arabia is preparing to lift restrictions on foreign investors buying local stocks, in the latest step by regulators to boost trading on the Tadawul exchange. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Lions’ surprisingly poor showing against their NFC North rivals kneecapped CBS’ deliveries, although the Eye Network also didn’t get much of a lift from the new BDP scheme. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025 Hold each lift for two to three seconds before lowering with control. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • The government can raise revenues by increasing the payroll tax that funds Social Security or the income threshold to continue paying the tax or raise the full retirement age.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The nonprofit will provide scholarships and supportive services for families raising children with autism.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bright nighttime skies are on the way in Michigan as the year's first full supermoon will rise in the sky Monday, astronomers say.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In six of the past seven seasons, the number of Englishmen playing in major leagues on the continent has risen.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, due to all of these developments, everyone finally knows that the man who kidnapped Sam and stole the dope is Robbie Pendergrast.
    Grace Byron, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • But their double life gets complicated when a rival boy band harboring a sinister secret starts to steal their fans.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Just as with the first goal, Zubimendi won’t be credited with an assist, but his vision and ability put Arsenal in dangerous areas.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Messi dished out a trio of assists as the South Florida side pummeled the New England Revolution, 4-1, at a rainy Chase Stadium.
    Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pick-up and drop-off locations for ride sharing are at East Pete Rose Way and Mehring Way.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Nickel Plate Express offers fall foliage train rides aboard historic 1950s-era train cars, while Flat Fork Creek Park is a great place to bike or hike amid the autumn leaves.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Even though the Nittany Lions lost a top-five draft pick in edge rusher Abdul Carter, the thought was that Knowles could elevate an already-strong Penn State defense that returned plenty of talent.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Goad joined The Tennessean in 2016 as the business and entertainment editor and has been critical to the company’s digital growth, leading a dramatic expansion of music and entertainment coverage while elevating its enterprise business reporting.
    Nashville Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • They’re often greeted with the sight of their mischievous pup climbing onto furniture or causing destruction while unattended.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Bitcoin climbed above $121,000, nearing its August highs.
    Benzinga, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After a brief scuffle between the two players, Noel held on to the ball, though Alexander swiped his hand at him in frustration as tensions rose.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Franklin swiped defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Ohio State, coming off a national championship.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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