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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

Examples 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 Choosing high-end, effective devices can elevate a clinic’s reputation — but incorporating low-quality technologies can have the opposite effect. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating ‘Countdown’ with his insight and passion. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024 This authenticity not only inspires your team and drives loyalty, but also elevates your impact across the organization. Tifenn Dano Kwan, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 There are still questions at quarterback, where Jayden Maiava has tons of big-play potential, but not nearly enough polish yet to fully elevate USC’s offense. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elevate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevate
Verb
  • The Cybertruck’s militaristic futurism may excite Musk, but in risk-averse markets such as the EU and the UK, any new technologies must be vetted not by early-adopter customers but by accredited labs.
    Carlton Reid, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024
  • In addition to the script grabbing his attention, Guadagnino was also excited by the prospect of working with Roberts.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But the best story of all was Maryanne, and watching this delightful goofball evolve into a cutthroat champion was truly thrilling, lifting Survivor 42 into the mid-twenties.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Supporting Ukraine’s domestic market Nemiroff also has an eye on lifting the Ukrainian economy.
    Kevin Rozario, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The administration's last-minute federal rules and regulations have been in the works for months to promote components of Biden's agenda ‒ such as combatting climate change, reducing fees for consumers and lowering drug prices.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Finding and tracking a big, healthy bear is a positive sign for the Black Bear Program and efforts to promote the recovery of the bear population in Mississippi.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Whatever happened to exalting the Thinker over the armored knight?
    Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Still, others found these movies critical of science while also exalting it.
    Salama Udaipurwala, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • But hearing those very industrial and harsh sounds for the first time was such an elating feeling.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2024
  • All those probed were in unanimous agreement, and the 21-year-old might agree himself alongside others that have been elated by his start to the 2024/2025 season.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • For instance, Amazon raised eyebrows in September when CEO Andy Jassy announced that corporate employees must return to the office five days a week starting in January 2025.
    Anuz Thapa, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Going forward, ConocoPhillips raised production guidance for Q4 to 1.99 million to 2.03 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Guests can upgrade to premium rooms with features like jacuzzi tubs and private patios, while Lodge Suites are available for those looking for a bit more space, ranging from 550 to 850 square feet.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Overall, your decision on whether or not to upgrade to ChatGPT Pro should hinge on taking all of the above into consideration, and carefully evaluating your business goals, current demand, and client needs at this time.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • These days, college football can look more like the vast military industrial complex than any ennobling pursuit.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024
  • And, second, that ownership of great literature in its most talismanic form will ennoble you.
    Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near elevate

Cite this Entry

“Elevate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on elevate

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