raise 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
Although El Niño generally raises global temperatures, climate change is the primary driver of record-breaking warmth in recent years. Evan Bush, NBC news, 11 June 2026 So, climbing one rung higher and losing to a different team will lead to raising the Cup? Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Noun
The important thing is whether the Chiefs believe Mahomes to be worthy of a raise. Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 That total of $120 billion–plus is 40% greater than the SpaceX raise. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for raise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raise
Verb
  • The team is nationally minded and committed to lifting as many voices as loud as possible.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Many of today’s sculpting and lifting facial massages combine multiple techniques, combining manual manipulation, including lymphatic drainage, reflexology and buccal massage, which involves work inside the mouth.
    Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed.
    Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
  • Proceeds from the tournament will directly support the Frontwave Foundation’s Summer Backpack Drive, which will provide school backpacks and essential supplies to foster children in the community.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Are they designed to flatter progressive sensibilities or provoke them?
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • Civil-rights movements that challenge an oppressive status quo usually provoke a disproportionate response; in fact, the strategy of nonviolent resistance depends on it.
    Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Mentions of the San Antonio Spurs also elicited vociferous boos.
    Stephen Whyno, Fortune, 9 June 2026
  • Mentions of the San Antonio Spurs also elicited loud boos.
    CBS New York Team, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Entrance to the South Lawn of the White House, where the UFC Octagon has been erected, is invitation-only for some 4,000 guests.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 11 June 2026
  • Locks were installed, fences were erected and entrances were boarded up.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The half-court defense also showed up stronger for Atlanta going into the second quarter, resulting in a 10-2 run to build the team’s momentum.
    Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 12 June 2026
  • Arasheben always builds two extra into his contract so each of his sons can have one.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Fried’s statement to the Herald comes amid warnings from a growing chorus of political leaders that Wasserman Schultz’s decision — and the state party’s silence about it — could have ripple effects across the ballot in November.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • Jeremy Doku — Belgium/Manchester City Doku has grown at City and was a key driver of their late-season charge.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Since then, the damage has increased at an alarming rate, and many residents fear the end is near for the 53-year-old structure.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 7 June 2026
  • The recent strikes have increased the strain on the fragile truce between Washington and Tehran.
    Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raise. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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