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hoist

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hoist contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hoist are boost, elevate, heave, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When is it sensible to use boost instead of hoist?

The words boost and hoist are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 hoist?

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

elevated the taste of the public

When could heave be used to replace hoist?

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

heaved the heavy crate inside

When is lift a more appropriate choice than hoist?

The synonyms lift and hoist are sometimes interchangeable, 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 hoist?

The meanings of raise and hoist largely overlap; however, 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 hoist?

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 hoist
Verb
The Air National Guard arrived at about 6:15 p.m. and hoisted the skier off the mountain within about a half hour. Sara Schilling, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025 The four-time major champion could hoist his 27th PGA Tour trophy Sunday at a venue that brings out the best of the game’s stars. Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
In Shay Horse’s photo, white supremacists gathered around a statue of Thomas Jefferson hoist torches high overhead. Laura Mallonee, WIRED, 22 Aug. 2017 As the hoist is removed, the last sections of the exterior glass facade will be installed to enclose the building on Woodward Avenue downtown. Annalise Frank, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hoist 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoist
Verb
  • But Oswald has none of the baggage Edward continues to heave around and is embodied with wit and charm by actor Adam Pearson, who actually has neurofibromatosis.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Later, heaving Victorian-era steel machines, monitored by twisthands — human machine operators overseeing the twisting, knitting and braiding of cotton into delicate lace — mechanized the industry.
    Leah Dolan, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • That puts the order on hold while relevant challenges are litigated – unless the Justice Department can convince an appeals court or the Supreme Court to lift the hold.
    Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Those two should also help lift the club’s dismal infield defense.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Everyone enjoyed dinky hors d’oeuvres and blinis, and sipped on champagne and Tommy’s margaritas with Don Julio.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Dine on seafood and sip local beers in Sandbridge After reeling in a trophy catch and working up an appetite, stop by Margie and Ray’s on the way to Sandbridge Beach.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Check out the others here: Nashville's next move: Dickerson Pike illustrates how city's transit push could work As Nashville votes on a transit tax, will choice lanes help ease interstate traffic? Nashville’s transit vote would raise the sales tax.
    Duane W. Gang, The Tennessean, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The initiative has raised $63,000 in native tokens toward its $100,000 smart contract milestone for 2024.
    Sara Smith, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Related article Is drinking alcohol bad for your health?
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
  • The Baltimore area is seeing changes in its food and drink scene with Fuzzies Burgers partnering with Atlas Restaurant Group, Lost Ark Distilling ending its eight years in business and GameOn in Federal Hill closing in March.
    Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On a live webcam of San Diego harbor traffic, someone aboard the Premier can be heard saying that the jet's two crew members ejected right after takeoff, The Associated Press reported.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
  • On a live webcam of San Diego harbor traffic, someone aboard the Premier can be heard telling the Coast Guard that the crew members ejected right after takeoff.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The detective accepted the dare and gulped down the milk meant for the sergeant’s child, according to court papers.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Even the most casual sports fan has seen athletes gulping down neon sports drinks on the sidelines and during post-game media interviews, and gels and chews are at every aid station during a race.
    Matthew Kadey, Outside Online, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Seven months later, playing for Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Carter capped his year of levitation by jumping over France’s 7-2 center, Frederic Weis, en route to a violent, yet somehow, also, elegant, slam in a preliminary round game.
    Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
  • So here goes: My deep dive into the world of levitation, fear and faith started the way most articles do — with a tip.
    Marisa Kwiatkowski, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near hoist

Cite this Entry

“Hoist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoist. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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