to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
a proposal to cover the library's red brick with vinyl siding raised a mighty ruckus with those favoring historical preservation
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.
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Recent Examples of raise
Verb
Panthea takes the opportunity to bring Amanda her purse and try to bury the hatchet and, strangely, this is the only moment that Amanda really raises her voice.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
19 Aug. 2026 Players have been discarded, standards raised and difficult calls made in pursuit of a team capable of winning the biggest prizes.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2026
Noun
The district’s offer includes a total of 8% in raises over two years — 2% retroactive to the start of this year, another 2% for this past July and 4% next July — plus a $2,500 one-time payment for full-time employees.—
A.d. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Aug. 2026 OpenAI was part of that raise, meaning Thrive has invested in OpenAI and OpenAI has also backed Thrive.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for raise
Therapists work on-site with children to help foster critical language skills, reduce behavioral problems and work on developmental milestones.
—
Cam'ron Hardy,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2026
The federal lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal filings brought by both former employees and jail residents that have accused Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden of poor leadership, inadequate inmate care and fostering a toxic workplace.
—
Amber Gaudet
Updated August 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Aug. 2026
Anthropic’s announcement elicited panic among some enthusiastic Claude adopters, who expressed concern about what a label on AI use might signal about them.
—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
20 Aug. 2026
The same driver mutation, when introduced into different genetic backgrounds, elicited different responses in the circuits that govern whether a cell keeps dividing, specializes, becomes inflamed or dies.
There was also a walkway from the tip of the catwalks that led to a secondary stage — one unlike any I’d ever seen before in 30-plus years of reviewing shows — erected at the very back of the field.
—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
22 Aug. 2026
Fraser noted that a portion of the erecting shop, which will receive a more modest round of repairs, dates to 1869.
Trujillo and Duncan’s aim is to enable people with disabilities to provide for their families and build rewarding lives.
—
Allie Torgan,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2026
Vintage Modern builds custom cars by hand at its Buford facility, using classic designs as the inspiration while incorporating modern engineering and amenities.
The deal amid Utah’s growing push for advanced nuclear power.
—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Aug. 2026
As her anger and resistance grow, her body begins to transform into porcelain, becoming a powerful symbol of her silent rebellion and her fight to reclaim her own identity.
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