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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
As much as another clock-gobbling Skinner-Alcaraz title bout or a deep run by Gauff will help lift ESPN’s Wimbledon deliveries, perhaps nothing would get the Nielsen dials spinning like another plunge into the meteorological swamp. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025 The study did find a positive — some areas where industrial activities had been halted had actually caused the land to lift back up. Kati Weis june 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Noun
Idaho’s law says skiers take on the liability for the inherent risks of the sport, including colliding with trees, bare spots, lift towers, clearly visible snowmaking or snowgrooming equipment and the like. Betsy Z. Russell, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2025 These can range from bodyweight exercises like squats to traditional lifts like curls and rows. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • That raises real concerns about whether SGA and Co. can make the right plays against Indiana's defensive pressure in Game 7. Ironically, many expected this exact issue -- pressure defense forcing turnovers and leading to easy offense the other way -- to play a huge role in these Finals.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • Although questions had been raised about whether the boat was properly secured — such as the hatches being left open to water — the new report found that weather was the primary risk, and that a burst of intense winds is believed to have tipped over the luxury yacht within a matter of seconds.
    David Chiu, People.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Foodborne illnesses can spike in the summer months, especially given the higher temperatures and rise in outdoor dining like picnics and cookouts.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Mason West is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound rising senior at Edina (Minn.) High School.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The group later stole Samsung electronics valued at $14,081, authorities alleged.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 June 2025
  • And like the most recent case out of Iowa, stealing someone else’s flag to burn could also be criminal, the organization said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Melbourne, an Australian basketball player who earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, is averaging 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Igor Jesus adapted quickly, clambering past Soares in the pecking order and registering six goals and an assist in his first seven starts.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Going for a spin on a carnival ride were the Dean siblings of Long Grove, Miranda Dean, 14, a rising high school freshman and Alexander Dean, 11, a rising sixth-grader.
    Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • Suzanne Morphew, 49, vanished during a bike ride on Mother's Day 2020.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Presentation elevates the ordinary, making items more appreciated, and also far more viral Quality ingredients/components/materials make a huge difference.
    Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Studio Azuki plans to fuse this international momentum with Japan’s anime culture to pioneer new production models, elevate storytelling quality, enable fan collaboration and introduce social-first formats.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Innovative Technology of Oklo The demand for electricity is anticipated to climb sharply in the upcoming years, and nuclear energy is emerging as a compelling solution.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Armed with picks Nos. 8 (own), 19 (via Milwaukee), 22 (via Atlanta), 26 (via New York), 27 (via Houston) and 36 (own), Brooklyn had enough assets to potentially climb the draft board if needed.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Artificial intelligence is swiping jobs from new graduates.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • After applying your base color of choice—something neutral—swipe a pop of color over the top one-third of your nail, all the way to your nail tip.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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