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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
These storms are usually triggered by strong outflow winds from thunderstorms, which lift loose dirt into the air, drastically reducing visibility and creating hazardous driving conditions. Brandi D. Addison, AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Angel Reese added her name to the record book Monday night, but her milestone wasn't enough to lift the Chicago Sky past the Las Vegas Aces. Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
Start your adventure off by sightseeing on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the world’s longest continuous lift system. Essence, 25 Aug. 2025 One side holds a corrector to neutralize discoloration (like melasma or dark spots), while the other delivers a brightener to add radiance and lift. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • Local organizations and community members in Milwaukee are working to raise funds and support for both Hanan Refugees Relief Group and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
    Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • In 1983, policymakers fixed Social Security by collecting new taxes and gradually raising the full retirement age, among other changes.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Humidity was rising and winds were decreasing, but those winds may pick up Aug. 27, Cal Fire warned in the update.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • His family hid in the woods, sleeping in tents made of pine needles and stealing vegetables from nearby farms.
    Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Engage In Reflective Thinking Summer is the perfect time to steal away to a quiet, shady spot and do some of the reflective thinking that supports a successful life.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Last month, Thompson appeared in five Las Vegas NBA Summer League games with Orlando before being waived, averaging 10.0 points on .292 shooting, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Perhaps West Ham will surprise us all, but after the topsy-turvy nature of the last three seasons, nobody knows what to expect apart from Jarrod Bowen (13 goals and eight assists in the league last season) to be good again.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The ride was a bit jarring over broken pavement in downtown Louisville, but the Sportage handled well on a long, scenic drive along the Ohio River through the hills of southern Indiana.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Pay-one-price wristbands for carnival rides are available daily at the festival for $30.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But more often, the easiest way to elevate a dish is with herbs and spices.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Keep your shoulders and head elevated off the floor.
    Health Editorial Team, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Storm chances climb to 40 and as high as 70% across the region, with the highest risk in the afternoon on Aug. 25.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricity costs have climbed 5.5% in the past 12 months, while natural gas prices have jumped nearly 14%.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Just swipe it along the cheekbones, temples, or nose bridge for subtle dimension and radiance.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
  • On an unremarkable clay tennis court in the Spanish city of Alicante, watched on by only a handful of spectators, two teenagers swipe the ball to one another with surprising vigor, belying their scrawny, adolescent frames.
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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