boost 1 of 2

verb

ˈbüst How to pronounce boost (audio)
Definition of boostnext
1
as in to hoist
to lift with effort boosted the child into her car seat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number a promotion that boosted the number of interested customers milling about the showroom

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to enhance
to make markedly greater in measure or degree recommended eating foods that boost the body's immunity to disease

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4
as in to lift
to move from a lower to a higher place or position boosted the box onto the top shelf

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5
as in to promote
to provide publicity for boosted the singer's latest release with a round of appearances on all the talk and entertainment shows

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6
as in to steal
slang to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep the woman was nabbed trying to boost a couple of bottles of perfume

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boost

2 of 2

noun

1
as in support
an act or instance of helping she always liked to give struggling families in the neighborhood a boost

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2
as in increase
something added (as by growth) a sudden boost in sales

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3
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity according to the President, a tax cut is just the boost that the economy needs

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb boost contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of boost are elevate, heave, hoist, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," 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 boost?

Elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

When would heave be a good substitute for boost?

Although the words heave and boost have much in common, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When might hoist be a better fit than boost?

The meanings of hoist and boost largely overlap; however, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When could lift be used to replace boost?

The synonyms lift and boost are sometimes interchangeable, but lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

In what contexts can raise take the place of boost?

The words raise and boost can be used in similar contexts, but raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

How are the words rear and raise related as synonyms of boost?

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 boost
Verb
Learning How to Skimo—With an E-Ski E-Skimo promises to cut the grind by 30 percent, meaning 30 percent less of a muscle workout—while boosting speed by 80 percent, potentially extending range fourfold. —Kendall Hunter, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026 The company drastically boosted oil production, but failed to properly maintain its equipment, resulting in oil spills and gas leaks. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
Because big, gas-guzzling trucks are very profitable, that's been a boost to automakers' bottom lines, partially offsetting the higher costs from tariffs. —Camila Domonoske, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026 That would mean a nearly 20% pay boost in the annual median income. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boost
  1. hoist
  2. increase
  3. enhance
  4. lift
  5. promote
  6. steal
  7. support
  8. gain
Verb
  • The event topped out, by my count, at 18 pro-billionaire attendees, who hoisted signs with slogans such as Tip Your Landlord and Property Rights Are Human Rights.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto squealed with delight when presented with a Tina plushie, while freestyle skier Eileen Gu hoisted the mascot into the air after earning a silver medal.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of hoist
Verb
  • The concern is not only the surge in killings, but the increasing brazenness with which they are carried out.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • For example, rising temperatures have direct harms on health by increasing risk of dehydration and causing more stress on the heart.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • The research team aims to explore how the patches can enhance situational awareness and monitor exposure for military personnel in hazardous environments.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Items such as candle sconces and decorative milagros add a touch of sparkle and enhance the mood.
    — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • By Wednesday morning, the restrictions were suddenly lifted, leaving the city’s airport in confusion for several hours.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Erewhon is pushing its wellness footprint further into aesthetics — starting with lip flips and brow lifts — as the lines between self care and cosmetic treatments continue to blur.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of lift
Verb
  • Ramstead is a firefighter and paramedic who was hired by the Pasadena Fire Department in 2005 and promoted to the rank of captain in 2016.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This will help maintain a manageable size for indoor growing and promote a bushier appearance.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of promote
Verb
  • Expect mild redness and a sandpaper-like texture for several days; small sacrifices for a complexion that steals the spotlight.
    — Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Her worries grow when a group of badgers takes over the Rabbit School and steals the Egg.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of steal
Noun
  • The item will come back for a final vote on March 3, and will require support from at least four of the five members to be placed on the June 2 ballot.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Polling shows support for photo ID requirements in elections is widespread in both political parties.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Longitudinal studies across diverse populations will be needed to assess whether shifts in the oral microbiome can predict future weight gain, insulin resistance, or cardiometabolic decline, and perhaps most excitingly, whether modifying one's oral ecosystem alters systemic metabolic markers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The primary challenge of the 2025 gerrymandering was a lack of transparency and the prioritization of partisan gain over fair representation.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of gain

Browse Nearby Words

boos
boost
boosted
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Cite this Entry

“Boost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boost. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of boost for Spanish Speakers

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