boost 1 of 2

Definition of boostnext
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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

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boost

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noun

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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
Cassidy has directly appealed to Democrats to change their party registrations to help boost him. Sam Gringlas, NPR, 16 May 2026 Mitchell said there are plenty of less visible local efforts to boost Memphis artists, such as promoters working to get them on tours with national headliners. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Noun
In times of high inflation, the Fed raises its key interest rates to cool down an overheating economy and take some wind out of inflation; and typically does the opposite whenever unemployment is rising and growth needs a boost. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 Economists participating in the Survey of Professional Forecasters think second-quarter inflation will top out at 6%, a huge boost from the last estimate, according to a release on Friday. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for boost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boost
Verb
  • Nevada County Consolidated firefighters hoisted a person who was stranded on a rock in the South Yuba River to safety Monday afternoon, officials said.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
  • The regular season has remained a pretty good indicator of which team is going to hoist the Larry O’Brien.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Salah’s comments followed a limp 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa on Friday that increased criticism of Slot and questions about his future in the job.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • In Los Angeles, for example, the city spent more than 50 million dollars in 2021 on policing homelessness, yet unsheltered homelessness still increased.
    Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Both forwards scored Wednesday, and both enhanced the opportunities of several teammates.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The dermatology and wellness center blends functional and aesthetic medicine to offer treatments designed to enhance natural features rather than dramatically alter them.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • As captain, Poulin got the 35-pound Walter Cup first, lifting it over her head as confetti exploded around her.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • But what if the embargo gets lifted tomorrow?
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The top professional sports leagues formed a coalition with some broadcasters, including NBC and Fox, three years ago and agreed that betting should be marketed only to fans of legal age and that excessive gambling should not be promoted.
    Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Musk promoted the accomplishment on Twitter.
    Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Bahia is also where breakfast is served each morning—watch out for the cheeky birds who will steal any of your unattended banana pancakes or breakfast burritos.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • The animatronic creation adorably stole the spotlight from the Mandalorian himself, Pedro Pascal, as well as other human collaborators like Sigourney Weaver (Colonel Ward) and director Jon Favreau (who managed to score a red carpet photo opportunity with the rising lime-green superstar).
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Pratt, Bech Parker said, was the only mayoral hopeful to show support for their effort.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
  • The package includes airport pickup and drop-off, three nights of accommodation, daily yoga and meditation, a one-hour treatment, specialized workshops and pre- and post-retreat support.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • While states had sought to change their maps for partisan gain, Republicans in some Southern states are also scrambling to redraw their House district boundaries after the Supreme Court weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act in a landmark decision last month.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 16 May 2026
  • China’s economy is now about 60% to 70% as big as that of the US, a gain of more than threefold in the past 20 years.
    David Westin, Fortune, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boost. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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