Definition of raisenext
1
as in to lift
to move from a lower to a higher place or position he asked members of the audience to raise their hands if they had been to his show before

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care raises ducks, geese, and other exotic fowl ultimately destined for the dinner table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to introduce
to present or bring forward for discussion one member of the tour raised the subject of appropriate attire for visits to sacred sites in the Holy Land

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

11

raise

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb raise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of raise are boost, elevate, heave, hoist, lift, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

In what contexts can boost take the place of raise?

The synonyms boost and raise are sometimes interchangeable, 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 raise?

Elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

When might heave be a better fit than raise?

In some situations, the words heave and raise are roughly equivalent. However, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When could hoist be used to replace raise?

The words hoist and raise can be used in similar contexts, but hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When is it sensible to use lift instead of raise?

Although the words lift and raise have much in common, lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

How do rear and raise relate to one another?

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 raise
Verb
The latest filings from the Federal Commission Website show Wooden reported raising no money this year. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 Kate raised funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity during the challenge. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Noun
Noncertified employees – staff like bus drivers, cafeteria workers and teaching assistants – will get a 3% raise. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 Vegas entered the summer without much cap space to spend, and with several of its own free agents in need of sizable raises. Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for raise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raise
Verb
  • The crew took part in rescuing a 47-year-old man who was pulled out of the rubble eight days after the quakes hit, lifting the spirits and morale of rescuers who up until then were primarily uncovering human remains.
    Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Elsewhere in the city, several heavy trucks were lifted and moved as far 30 meters by the winds.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Denny Jong — began making derogatory comments around the office, fostering a culture of permissiveness that allowed similar remarks to go unchecked.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • But there was nonetheless a great deal of gratitude toward him for founding and fostering this community.
    Zoe Magee, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Jason Melara, Taylor and Johnson not only with his murder, but also the killing of Mario Melara under the theory that his death was provoked by the armed robbery of Aguilar.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Collina said that such allegations could provoke threats against referees and their families.
    Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • While no acts had performed on stage, a steady stream of military aircraft roared across the sky, eliciting gasps and cheers from the attendants making their way into the outdoor venue near the Washington Monument.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • But, in general, the subject elicited private reticence and public omertà.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Would Wimbledon consider erecting statues of non-British champions, such as Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams or Roger Federer?
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Prevention, however, does not lie in erecting a physical barrier.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The documents say the company plans to build seven pump stations, three of them located on federal land managed by the agency.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • At Cosumnes River College, the project list includes constructing a new technology building and childcare center, expanding the stadium and building an affordable student housing project.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • The iconic fast food company has grown beyond its California roots in recent years, opening locations in Colorado, Texas, Idaho, and as far east as Tennessee.
    James Powel, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • And a growing body of research suggests that one of the simplest ways to help isn’t more space or more exercise.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • On average, Google says this new data should increase your backup size by 40 MB.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raise. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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