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 next

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

Relevance

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

Wholesale prices returned to growth in March as the input cost surge stemming from the Middle East conflict lifted the economy out of its longest deflationary streak in decades. —

Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 June 2026 For routine care, use warm, soapy water on tiles and baking soda paste on grout to lift grime gently. —

Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026

Noun

Under its previous name, two doctors were disciplined after patient deaths in 2017 and 2021, one with license revocation and one with a fine and a Brazilian butt lift ban. —

Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 Moreover, the wrong tree placement can crack foundations, lift sidewalks, block sunlight, and create ongoing maintenance headaches. —

Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lift

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift

Verb

Half of the money raised will be donated to a local gun violence prevention group.

— Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 12 June 2026
In 2016, Loomis voters approved Measure F, a quarter-cent sales tax projected to raise about $250,000 annually for general government services, including support for the Loomis Library.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026

Definition of raise

Browse Nearby Words

lifeworks

lift

lifted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of lift

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on lift

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

tenuous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is it 'used to' or 'use to'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

Cattywampus, Taradiddle, and More Funny-Sounding Words

The Words of the Week - Jun 12

Popular

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

Strange Words for Body Functions

Games & Quizzes