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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
Removing Old or Set-in Vaseline Stains on Delicate Fabrics Cornstarch or baby powder can lift Vaseline stains from fabrics, thanks to their absorbency. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025 Koizumi on Thursday announced plans to switch to voluntary government contracts for rice to better control prices and to lift a cap on the next sale. Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
The curved, block heels measured about 100mm, giving her a towering lift but also providing comfort while dancing on the court. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 May 2025 The trophy lift and the parade are going to be really special. James Pearce, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • The pallium, a liturgical vestment made of wool from lambs raised by Trappist monks, symbolizes the pope’s role as the shepherd of the faithful; the pope’s pallium is worn on the shoulders, fastened with three pins resembling the nails of the cross, according to the National Catholic Reporter.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • The trend has raised alarm because visitors from abroad have an important impact on the U.S. economy — especially in California, one of the leading destinations for German tourists.
    Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • This surge reflects growing investor confidence in NuScale’s distinctive position within the nuclear energy industry, propelled by rising electricity demand amid the AI boom and the swift progression of global electrification.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Insurance premiums have risen 24% on average in recent years, according to the Consumer Federation of America.
    Michael Copley, NPR, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Mike gets into a brawl when Nathan (Dickinson, uncredited), a fellow addict also living rough, steals his wallet and blows all his cash.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • The ‘Turkey Brothers’ steal the encore with a boisterous jam As fans begged for an encore to an empty stage, an unlikely guest took center stage.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Reinhart, a first-line forward, has four goals and seven assists in the playoffs this year.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
  • Haliburton finished with 31 points and 11 assists, while Aaron Nesmith scored 30 points, including 20 in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Shared autonomous rides Uber is also expanding its autonomous vehicle partnership with Volkswagen.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 14 May 2025
  • For those who want easy access to the city center but prefer to avoid crowds, the location is a bike ride to the heart of the city, while the home itself is located in a quiet neighborhood for resting up.
    Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Another benefit is that a mix of vintage pieces, textures, and splurge items elevates the affordable, mass-market items in your home.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
  • It’s elevated enough to wear out, and cozy enough to live in.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Situate feeders away from tree limbs and in areas that don’t allow squirrels to climb or jump to them-- that means at least 10 to 15 feet from tree limbs, rooflines and decks.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
  • Wright began climbing buildings in 2018 to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from his years of service in the Army.
    Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • If loathing immigrants and swiping right on the Third Reich is extremism, then the label does seem to fit at least part of the AfD’s leadership.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
  • The price may steepen with a rival tax, but the Yankees certainly would love the opportunity to swipe one of their rival's best players.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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