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
Chronic stress can raise cortisol levels, which may contribute to fatigue and low energy.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
4 Aug. 2026 Chuck Hatfield, the attorney representing the city, raised Dustman’s employment status while arguing that the agreement could qualify as a personnel record.—
Ben Wheeler
august 4,
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4 Aug. 2026
Noun
In exchange for their support of the capital raise, the proposal suggested, FIFA’s two hundred and eleven member federations would receive forty million dollars each from the windfall to turbocharge the sport’s development.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
1 Aug. 2026 There are plenty of reasons why an actor might agree to take less money, from helping their costars get raises and reducing production costs to ensuring that the crew gets fed.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for raise
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—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2026
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—
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—
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