Definition of elevatenext
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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

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 elevate Oil prices also remain sharply elevated since the beginning of the year. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026 Decorate your coastal living room with a selection of blue and white block prints, or elevate your powder room with floral hand towels. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 The officials unanimously agreed that inflation was still elevated and had not made much progress toward their 2% target in recent months, the minutes said. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Apple AirPods Deal Redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort, the Apple AirPods 4 feature the powerful Apple H2 chip to elevate your listening and call clarity. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevate
Verb
  • The space invited us into the world of Gucci, excited us with product on the rails, and reminded everyone of the magic a store can bring to the shopping experience.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The two are excited by the location and by the prospect of being in the heart of a bustling district.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The technology that investors and governments are counting on to lift the global economy is also adding pressure that threatens growth, the head of the International Monetary Fund said, urging policymakers to stop delaying painful choices on debt.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • From setting up special meals to just brightening days with smiles and genuine care, the staff here lift the already luxury experience to the next level.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The group emphasized that its request isn't intended to promote robocalls.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The actor stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote their latest film, Digger (and gamely participate in a cooking segment with Wishbone Kitchen).
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Her dense imagery, exalting family and the Black communities of her native Columbus, Ohio, made her one of America’s great storytellers in any medium.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Mercury is exalted in Virgo until September 10, so the first part of the month is a good time to get into the logistical weeds about it.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There were decisions that would elate or devastate players.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 24 May 2026
  • This helped convince the administration to shift to their side, elating students, especially Simpson.
    — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Key justices appeared wary about the potential sweep of litigation, but torn over the complex questions of federal and state law raised by the case.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Boat trips to Capri and Positano are on the doorstep, as are hair-raising Vespa tours on hairpin roads and private visits to Pompei and Herculaneum.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • By upgrading synthetic skin from a passive sensor into an energy harvester, the Fudan team offers a clever alternative to deadweight batteries.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The investment bank upgraded the software stock to buy from neutral.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Jordan, to whom scorn comes more naturally than grace, accuses him of envying the rest of the troupe’s ennobling misery.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But there is no doubt in my mind that the musical ennobles the previously more limited material, which is not often the case when Hollywood movies are scored and sung.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elevate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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