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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lift contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lift are boost, elevate, heave, hoist, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

When is boost a more appropriate choice than lift?

The words boost and lift can be used in similar contexts, 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 lift?

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 lift?

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

heaved the heavy crate inside

When is it sensible to use hoist instead of lift?

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

hoisted the cargo on board

In what contexts can raise take the place of lift?

While in some cases nearly identical to lift, 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 lift?

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 lift
Verb
On April 28 at 7:01 p.m. EDT, an Atlas V rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2025 These companies are obliged to file financial statements which lift the curtain on everything from their headcount, salaries and social security payments to the total cost of the production. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
That financial reality is at least starting to improve, however, as more marketing opportunities pop up and the NHL posts revenue records, giving the salary cap a lift. Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 In Manila, some candidates for the Senate who are aligned with Mr. Duterte appeared to be getting a slight lift in the polls, political analysts say. Aie Balagtas See, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Exposure can also raise the risk of conditions including certain cancers, stroke, asthma, preterm births, dementia, depression and anxiety.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Iconic sportswear and footwear giant Adidas said Tuesday that the price of all its products will rise in the U.S. due to President Donald Trump's tariffs.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But merely knowing that housing today is less affordable than in 1950 tells us little about why home prices have risen.
    Caleb Petitt, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The return would be enough to steal Abbott from the Reds.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The Pacers will return home for Games 5 and 7 (if necessary), which means the Bucks would need to steal two road wins to advance.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Sky had the second-worst offensive rating last season, averaged the second-fewest assists and shot the fewest 3-pointers.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Rashford has made 10 starts and seven substitute appearances since joining Villa in January, registering four goals and six assists.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Larger groups can take a ride on the Sea Screamer, a 73-foot boat.
    Staff Author, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Now, as the sun squares Mars, there’s an undeniable tension between these two energies: Taurus wants to take its time and enjoy the ride, while Leo races ahead with the intention of conquering the world.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Naomi has been elevated as a villain for the first time in nearly a decade while her tremendous heel work has also helped Cargill become one of WWE’s most popular stars.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • That’s what elevates the stakes of every relationship in this show.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Full sun Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9 A great diversity of climbing roses is available with varieties to suit any garden style.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • That might sound dramatic, but when your body is under attack all the time, even small tasks — taking a shower, cooking dinner, going to the gym — becomes like climbing a mountain.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The student swiped her card for door access, which police believe allowed Saldana to slip in behind the student.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Its functionality is iPad-like with a swipe down notifications screen, applications and swipe up climate controls.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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