ELEVATE Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'elevate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elevate are boost , heave , hoist , lift , raise , and rear . While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied. // elevated the taste of the public

Q: When could 'boost' be used to replace 'elevate'?

The words boost and elevate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push. // boosted his brother over the fence

Q: In what contexts can 'heave' take the place of 'elevate'?

Although the words heave and elevate have much in common, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain. // heaved the heavy crate inside

Q: When is 'hoist' a more appropriate choice than 'elevate'?

In some situations, the words hoist and elevate are roughly equivalent. However, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means. // hoisted the cargo on board

Q: When can 'lift' be used instead of 'elevate'?

The words lift and elevate can be used in similar contexts, but lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight. // lift the chair while I vacuum

Q: Where would 'raise' be a reasonable alternative to 'elevate'?

While the synonyms raise and elevate are close in meaning, raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position. // scouts raising a flagpole

Q: How are the words 'rear' and 'raise' related as synonyms of 'elevate'?

Rear may add an element of suddenness to raise . // suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs

elevate

verb

ˈe-lə-ˌvāt

Definition of elevate next

as in to excite

to fill with great joy seeing their son ordained as a priest was one of the most elevating moments in their lives

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to lift

to move from a lower to a higher place or position the old trick of using a fat phone book to elevate a child to a more comfortable position at the table

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to promote

to move higher in rank or position the announcement that the pope will elevate several prelates to the rank of cardinal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to exalt

to assign a high status or value to a decade in which greed and selfishness were elevated to the rank of virtues

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb elevate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elevate are boost, heave, hoist, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

When could boost be used to replace elevate?

The words boost and elevate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

In what contexts can heave take the place of elevate?

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

heaved the heavy crate inside

When is hoist a more appropriate choice than elevate?

In some situations, the words hoist and elevate are roughly equivalent. However, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When can lift be used instead of elevate?

The words lift and elevate can be used in similar contexts, but lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

Where would raise be a reasonable alternative to elevate?

While the synonyms raise and elevate are close in meaning, 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 elevate?

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 elevate Sampson said Dybantsa reminds him the most of Anthony, who could elevate and use his long arms to shoot over defenders. —

Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, 7 Feb. 2026 This is the third straight playoff game Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad, and the fourth consecutive postseason game that Taylor has been promoted. —

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026 Lutnick had been president and CEO of Cantor since 1991 and was elevated to chairman in 1996. —

Daniel Ruetenik, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026 Lukáš Dostál, goalie, B+ Having re-upped over the summer and also been selected for the Olympics, Dostál’s profile has elevated rapidly. —

Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevate

Verb

Nevertheless, new faces and new places might excite you.

— Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
When did that pairing take shape for you and what excited you about it?

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of excite

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elephants

elevate

elevated

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“Elevate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of elevate

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