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

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
Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia report raising alarms or fending off Iranian attacks, as Kuwait says another power and water desalination plant has been hit. Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 The future of energy access financing is not fundamentally about raising more money. Yariv Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
Licata also announced earlier this summer that all classroom teachers would receive a 5% raise to make Fort Worth ISD a more attractive destination for the best teachers in the area. Samuel O’Neal 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 The workers operating the 24-hour transport at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport secured a five-year contract that included an immediate 18% wage increase, annual raises and paid time off. Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for raise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raise
Verb
  • Nevertheless, do not expect Jenny Sugarman’s side to be overawed, not after making history last spring by lifting the Adran Premier League title for the first time following a tremendous two-way tussle with holders Cardiff City.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The effects of this tournament will still be studied and analyzed long after Rodri lifted the trophy and Spain danced on Sunday.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • That’s why Lee has visions of Reid joining forces with Coby White, the new leader of the Hornets’ offense, to form a bond that fosters a relationship on and off the court.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • The station cap has stood for decades as an media ownership restriction rooted in First Amendment principles of fostering a diversity of voices and opinions on America’s airwaves.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • The Austrian performance artist behind Seaworld Venice is having a moment, after a career spent staging productions that involve herself and which provoke strong reactions.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026
  • He was also sent off for a headbutt against an opponent who provoked him in his last ever match, which happened to be the 2006 World Cup final; his human reaction laid bare on the highest stage of all.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately, the underwhelming revelations don’t elicit the tears Kore-eda regularly wrings.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • At that time, legislators held multiple hearings throughout the state to elicit recommendations on how the CSU and UC systems could be held accountable to ensure better protection of students.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • The long-term goal — again, depending on funding — would be to erect as many as 400 affordable duplexes on some of the many vacant lots held by the Kansas City Missouri Homesteading Authority and the Kansas City Land Bank.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • While wide hips were considered a problem area not so long ago, designers are now erecting a sort of fashion monument to them—as a symbol of sensuality, strength, and self-determination.
    Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • By addressing immediate needs and trauma early, the program has helped prevent future child welfare involvement, reduce long-term societal costs and build stronger families.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • AlignSphere Ventures is asking the city for a conditional-use permit to build the hospital, as well as a development-agreement modification and a preliminary plat.
    Rose Evans July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • That dividing line is a growing source of concern for the town’s residents, whose economy largely depends on tourism and agriculture.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The award reinforced the engine’s role in the program while reflecting growing demand for compact propulsion systems across the defense sector.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Enrollment in private schools in Miami-Dade County — religious and non-religious — has increased from about 70,000 to 92,000 the past two decades, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Demolishing folding tables has become so popular — and worrisome — at Bills games that retail prices of tables in Western New York have been known to increase during football season.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Raise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raise. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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