LIFT Synonyms: 186 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lift 1 of 2

verb

ˈlift

Definition of lift

as in to raise

to move from a lower to a higher place or position I needed help lifting the heavy globe back up to the top shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to rise

to move or extend upward once the sun started to cut through the morning fog, the colorful hot-air balloons began to lift off from the field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to steal

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep she turned her back for just a moment, and somebody lifted her purse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lift

2 of 2

noun

as in assist

an act or instance of helping the company's senior vice president gave his son a much-needed lift up the corporate ladder

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ride

a means of getting to a destination in a vehicle driven by another I'll need a lift to work while my car is in the shop

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Finding your current headrest positions involves lifting the seatback pad and looking at the plastic shell underneath, where the positions are numbered 1 through 11 alongside small arrows that show which one is currently in use. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 27 July 2026 The belief was that, with his passing, the curse had finally been lifted. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Noun

Common areas feature self-operating lifts or sloped entryways. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026 The swim platform does both, thanks to a lift mechanism that can drop you even closer to the sea. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lift

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift

Verb

The Athletic put the points raised in this article to United.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
State workers used the forum to raise $9,000 in under three weeks for an Interstate 80 billboard protesting the RTO order.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

That could be a bad sign for Everton Blair, the former Gwinnett County School Board chairman who needs a strong turnout from his home county in order to rise to the top of the five-person contest.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
The number of victims is expected to keep rising as people desperately dig through the rubble, with little help from authorities.

— Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

And catcher Carter Jensen threw out James Outman, who was attempting to steal second in the fifth.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Two of the biggest tech giants are locked in a head-to-head legal battle, with Apple claiming OpenAI stole trade secrets as the AI start-up plans its first hardware devices.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 23 July 2026

Definition of steal

Noun

Forward Alyssa Thomas dominated with 19 points, 11 rebounds, 15 assists and three steals, while guard Kahleah Copper poured in 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting to lead the Mercury precisely as Sparks coach Lynne Roberts expected.

— Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Miles broke multiple single-season school records, including assists per game, points scored, assists and single-game assists.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Definition of assist

Noun

Think a helicopter ride to Antiparos, private boat trips to secluded beaches around the island, wine tastings at local vineyards, and visits to marble workshops.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Under the heady ride of turf expert Hector Berrios, Gold Phoenix saved ground inside, held off 3-5 favorite Formidable Man down the stretch and caught Cabo Spirit near the wire to win the $250,000 Grade II Eddie Read Stakes.

— Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026

Definition of ride

Verb

Your sleeping position is also important; for example, for those who can manage it, sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is a excellent for your skin, and helps prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.

— Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 29 July 2026
This luggage customization kit includes two comfort handle grips, six zipper pullers, a carry pouch, and an ID tag, all designed to elevate your current suitcase.

— Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026

Definition of elevate

Verb

Errol Spence hasn't fought in three years, but the former world champion is climbing back into the ring on Saturday to take on another former champ in Tim Tszyu.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
But prices will continue to climb if the status quo remains, according to Daan Struyven, head of oil research at Goldman Sachs.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Definition of climb

Verb

Small had 50 assists against just 13 turnovers in his eight summer-league games, swiped a dozen steals and even blocked three shots.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Some people get carried away swiping their cards on discretionary items like clothes and home goods or leisure activities like dining out or going to the movies.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Definition of swipe

Browse Nearby Words

lifeworks

lift

lifted

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lift

verb

noun

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