raise 1 of 2

verb

ˈrāz How to pronounce raise (audio)
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

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2
as in to foster
to bring to maturity through care and education since she was only two when her mother died, the girl was raised mainly by her aunt

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3
as in to provoke
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

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4
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) the lawsuit raised old resentments that had never been completely extinguished

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5
as in to erect
to fix in an upright position the mattress will fit into the moving truck only if we raise it on its side

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6
as in to build
to form by putting together parts or materials raised a memorial on the site of the historic event

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7
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

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8
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number the multiplex raised the ticket price

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9
as in to promote
to move higher in rank or position he was recently raised to lieutenant in the fire department

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10
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

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11
as in to express
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) too afraid to raise an objection

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raise

2 of 2

noun

as in increase
something added (as by growth) the school board approved a raise in the maximum family income for students qualifying for reduced-price lunches

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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 deal has raised pointed questions over rights for producers and distributors whose deals with TF1 were struck before the Netflix partnership emerged. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 June 2026 One layer of cardboard is usually enough to suppress weeds in lasagna gardens and raised beds. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 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
  1. lift
  2. foster
  3. provoke
  4. elicit
  5. erect
  6. build
  7. grow
  8. increase
Verb
  • Finland’s parliament on Wednesday voted to lift a decades-old ban on nuclear weapons, approving a major defense policy shift aimed at aligning the country more closely with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) deterrence strategy.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • The hospital was initially placed on lockdown, but that order was lifted several hours later as police began clearing the scene.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Definition of lift
Verb
  • There are plenty of other factors that go into fostering belief in a team.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • As shopping habits and community needs have evolved, the market has continued to adapt, while staying true to its mission of supporting local businesses and fostering meaningful connections.
    — Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Definition of foster
Verb
  • Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.
    — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
  • Butler had pleaded guilty to harassment likely to provoke violence, felon in possession of a weapon and theft in Alaska, but did not report to jail.
    — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 12 June 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • Since Socrates, dialectical thinking had been a method of eliciting truth through questioning and refutation.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • In the case of the World Cup jerseys, the mere implication of Dessalines, standing alongside his fellow revolutionaries, was enough to elicit a backlash.
    — Julia Gaffield, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • Just days before the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, a professional UFC fighter standing inside a cage erected on the South Lawn of the White House mocked former First Lady Michelle Obama by referring to her as a man.
    — Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Pubs and bars across London were full to the brim as giant screens were erected here, there and everywhere.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Definition of erect
Verb
  • That edit-first habit is the real core of how to build a capsule wardrobe, since what is left reveals the gaps worth filling.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
  • Web developers and digital designers These workers build websites and apps, employing both coding and visual design skills.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Definition of build
Verb
  • The debate over recess has grown so confusing that recently the American Academy of Pediatrics stepped in and updated its policy statement.
    — Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Khat, which is known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, customs officials said.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • Baird added that interest in luxury homes has increased recently among SpaceX's mid-30s to early-40s employee base, according to California real estate agents.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 June 2026
  • Be careful when riding back downtown on a bike, as the hill notoriously increases cycling speed.
    — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Definition of increase

Phrases Containing raise

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rainy day
raise
raise Cain
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Cite this Entry

“Raise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raise. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on raise

Nglish: Translation of raise for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about raise

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