Definition of elevatenext
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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 That’s slightly elevated from the days before AI entered the conversation, before OpenAI launched its first AI model in November 2022, when the unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds sat around 8%. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 16 May 2026 If the artwork isn't the final story, look past it; the frame can still be salvaged and reused to elevate a room, Chappetto and Fathers say. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 May 2026 The fur feather trim on the toe strap also elevated the sandals to match the rest of the fun and bold shoe choices that the celebrity guests wore to the premiere. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 May 2026 As part of this transition, Alec Papadakis will move from CEO to co-chair of the USL Board, and BellTower CEO Kewsong Lee will be elevated from vice chair to co-chair. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevate
Verb
  • First, lasers excite atoms into Rydberg states.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
  • That excites me because then the possibilities are endless.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Under a new arrangement, shipments of goods from Turkey or Armenia through a third country may now directly list their final destination or point of origin as Turkey or Armenia, lifting a prior restriction on such designations, Keceli said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
  • If there are areas of the bowl that have more stains, add a touch more of baking soda to them to try and lift them out.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 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
  • Meanwhile, Jupiter — exalted in Cancer — brings expansion to themes of intuition, emotional intelligence, family bonds and home life.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
  • Onstage, Michael is exalted, transfigured, fully alive, with neither fear nor shame.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This helped convince the administration to shift to their side, elating students, especially Simpson.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The debate within the Democratic coalition is already bigger and louder, dividing moderates in swing states from progressives elated by Mamdani's rocket to victory in the nation's largest city.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That alone, to me, raises questions.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • The governing body said the show would support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to help children access education and soccer.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • There aren’t many options for the Pistons to upgrade from someone his age, with his talent and frame.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Take a style note from Meghan Markle and grab the Ofeefan V-Neck Lace-Sleeve T-Shirt to upgrade your wardrobe this summer.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Mary Kay could have no doubt that selling was an ennobling endeavor, since God Himself seemed to be endorsing it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Teeth or Pants, the show has a way of both laughing at and ennobling its own failures.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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