raise 1 of 2

verb

ˈrāz How to pronounce raise (audio)
Definition of raisenext
1
as in to lift
to move from a lower to a higher place or position he asked members of the audience to raise their hands if they had been to his show before

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2
as in to foster
to bring to maturity through care and education since she was only two when her mother died, the girl was raised mainly by her aunt

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3
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being a proposal to cover the library's red brick with vinyl siding raised a mighty ruckus with those favoring historical preservation

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4
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) the lawsuit raised old resentments that had never been completely extinguished

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5
as in to erect
to fix in an upright position the mattress will fit into the moving truck only if we raise it on its side

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6
as in to build
to form by putting together parts or materials raised a memorial on the site of the historic event

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7
as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care raises ducks, geese, and other exotic fowl ultimately destined for the dinner table

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8
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number the multiplex raised the ticket price

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9
as in to promote
to move higher in rank or position he was recently raised to lieutenant in the fire department

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10
as in to introduce
to present or bring forward for discussion one member of the tour raised the subject of appropriate attire for visits to sacred sites in the Holy Land

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11
as in to express
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) too afraid to raise an objection

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raise

2 of 2

noun

as in increase
something added (as by growth) the school board approved a raise in the maximum family income for students qualifying for reduced-price lunches

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb raise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of raise are boost, elevate, heave, hoist, lift, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

In what contexts can boost take the place of raise?

The synonyms boost and raise are sometimes interchangeable, 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 raise?

Elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

When might heave be a better fit than raise?

In some situations, the words heave and raise are roughly equivalent. However, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When could hoist be used to replace raise?

The words hoist and raise can be used in similar contexts, but hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When is it sensible to use lift instead of raise?

Although the words lift and raise have much in common, lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

How do rear and raise relate to one another?

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 raise
Verb
Consuming that much sugar can rapidly raise blood sugar levels, known as a blood sugar spike. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 28 July 2025 The Context This fatal building collapse raises serious questions about structural safety oversight and building inspection protocols in Kansas City. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Noun
This substantial capital raise aims to bolster financial flexibility and support ongoing oncology research, providing significant runway to advance clinical programs toward commercialization. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 The current funding round is ongoing and Shin said Rebellions is talking to its current investors as well as investors in Korea and globally to participate in the capital raise. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for raise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for raise
  1. lift
  2. foster
  3. provoke
  4. elicit
  5. erect
  6. build
  7. grow
  8. increase
Verb
  • Celebration topped off with Austin Corbett lifting him up in the huddle.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The most important quality of a coaster for me personally is airtime, that's the feeling where you're being lifted up out of your seat and feel multiple times lighter as the forces of gravity weaken on you.
    — Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of lift
Verb
  • Encourage questions to foster an open dialogue about financial matters.
    — Winnie Sun, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The John Luke Foundation will work with youth, community members and police to foster communication and lessen the crime rate.
    — Damenica Ellis, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of foster
Verb
  • Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid and directly provokes the body’s inflammatory response.
    — Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Britain's move will almost certainly provoke an angry response from Israel and the U.S.
    — Henry Austin, NBC news, 29 July 2025
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • But there has been plenty of alarm over Trump and his administration’s use of power to elicit concessions that raise real First Amendment issues — and whether that should be the main priority of broadcasters.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 July 2025
  • The rookie has begun to make throws to elicit a head nod, impressing his teammates.
    — Omar Kelly July 28, Miami Herald, 28 July 2025
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • As Florida enters peak hurricane season, questions persist about the safety of the detainees as well as staff housed at Alligator Alcatraz, the tent city quickly erected to hold migrants in the middle of the Everglades.
    — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
  • In the meantime, during the stalemate, Rice would visit the site almost every day, slipping through the fence that the township had erected around the boat to keep out trespassers.
    — John Carlisle, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of erect
Verb
  • Some tattoo artists feel like a machine doesn't belong in an industry built on human connection and trust.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • As women’s sports leagues, teams, and athletes command unprecedented attention and investment, RISE will showcase key voices who are spearheading this shift—from commissioners to owners to executives building the foundation for equity and opportunity.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of build
Verb
  • Though best known for corn and soybeans, Indiana also grows a lot of tomatoes (tuh-may-tuhs, as my Hoosier grandfather would have called them).
    — Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • Now comes news that many kinds of ticks are expanding their range and growing more abundant in the Midwest.
    — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of grow
Verb
  • Decades of research and studies in agriculture have increased production across all crops in the U.S., said James, and cannabis can adopt those same technologies.
    — Julie Weed, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of increase

Phrases Containing raise

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rainy day
raise
raise Cain
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Cite this Entry

“Raise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/raise. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on raise

Nglish: Translation of raise for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about raise

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