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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
In May, the justices lifted the federal judge's temporary order to keep the program in place as the case is being litigated. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025 A number of years ago, the stream was partially lifted up from beneath cement and restored. Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
My mom has been the one caring for my grandparents, both financially and in terms of managing their medical appointments, shopping for groceries, and even ordering an electric stair lift after my grandma had a fall. R29 Team, Refinery29, 19 Sep. 2025 Grab a chair lift year-round at Ski Valley. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • As he was driven away, Matthews raised a thumbs-up to the crowd, drawing an ovation from USC fans and a huddle of his Spartans teammates, who circled together in support before returning to the sideline.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Rock for First Responders benefit concert; another year of showing their support for the event, which raises money for essential equipment and mental health programs for Santa Barbara’s first responders.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There will be times, like at a raucous Goodison Park last February, when Everton can rise to an occasion and make life difficult for their neighbours.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • At times like the present, when inflation is rising and the labor market is slowing, the dual mandates are sitting on a see-saw.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • How can someone steal from you and simply get away with it?
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Two innings later, Martin singled, stole second base and eventually scored the winning run in a ninth-inning comeback victory.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Two goals and an assist from the Argentine were enough to secure back-to-back wins for Miami and put it on the brink of a place in the playoffs and still within a chance of retaining the Supporters’ Shield.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Field hockey Sabrina Tibbert netted four goals, and Avery Acquaviva scored twice and dished two assists as Lincoln-Sudbury coasted to a 9-1 nonleague win over Needham.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Between its solid ride quality, athletic power, and surprisingly fun handling dynamics, the 2025 Audi S5 is a solid modern European sports sedan.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • This archipelago, with one main island and hundreds of tiny islands, is reachable via a multi-hour ferry ride or seaplane from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Minnesota.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For Lesnar, a win keeps the beast image intact and elevates him ahead in future feuds.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Another area of low pressure will bring more moisture into southern parts of California and Arizona on Sunday, elevating the threat for flash flooding.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Caribs encamped on the summit of a steep cliff surrounded by high precipices, which could only be climbed by a narrow secret pathway.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The combination of climbing around this strange building and having heard the almost legendary stories about Karl-Göran was evocative and haunting.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What To Know The Liquid Glass interface not only updates the home screen but transforms interactions within apps like Music, where users can now swipe between views instead of tapping.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • This is a guy who swiped 32 bases a year ago and socked 28 homers two years ago.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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