lift 1 of 2

1
2
3

lift

2 of 2

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
The Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted a federal judge's order pausing the Trump administration's large-scale staffing cuts and agency restructuring. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 10 July 2025 The addition of McKenna to the national semifinalists was also made possible thanks to the NCAA’s decision to lift its ban on junior hockey players. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
Indian Prairie School District 204 is going forward with purchasing three school activity buses with wheelchair lifts, following board approval at Monday’s school board meeting. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 At Park City Mountain, chair lift rides open up for the summer season from the Town Lift, Payday Lift, or Crescent Lift, and gondola rides start from the Red Pine Gondola in Canyons Village. AFAR Media, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lift
Verb
  • Business leaders must raise their voices—not just for equity, but for the sustainability and competitiveness of their own industries.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • One of the notes came not long after jurors started deliberating and raised concerns from several jurors about another member of the panel.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Comparing unit prices at the grocery store, shopping the sale racks and collecting spare change are necessities for many Americans, who are coping with stagnant wages, rising prices and mounting bills.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • The ship is heard identifying itself, but no further responses are broadcast before missiles are shown striking the vessel, followed by rising smoke.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • This attack works through thousands of dangerous websites, stealing credit card or PayPal details as soon as they’re entered.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The case filed in Georgia charges four North Korean IT workers with stealing virtual currency worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from their employers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In the pantheon of secondary assists, Euro 2025 served up an all-timer yesterday.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • A'ja Wilson scored 19 points in the win while Dana Evans had a strong game off the bench, scoring 18 points and adding four rebounds and three assists.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • This hat will draw the moisture away from your face and keep sweat from dripping in your eyes—perfect for those rides in the Italian sunshine.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Those in attendance on opening day were charged a whopping $1 entry fee, plus an additional 10 to 30 cents per ride.
    Emily Steinberger, Fortune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • With ocean views and private plunge pools in every room, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya elevates the very best of the classic Cancun experience from a quieter stretch of sand in Costa Mujeres.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • From royal favorites and grand hotel salons to quirky modern twists, the capital is brimming with venues that elevate the tradition to unforgettable heights.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • On Monday, the death toll from the flooding climbed to more than 100, according to officials.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 8 July 2025
  • Don't run away or climb a tree, which may provoke a chase.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Now, though, Tinder cofounder Justin Mateen swiped right on the property, purchasing it alongside his brother Tyler and Culver Capital for $82.2 million.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
  • These tiny Android-style slabs can be swiped up for battery info and swiped left or right to navigate the screens.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lift. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!