HOIST Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hoist 1 of 2

verb

ˈhȯist

Definition of hoist

as in to heave

to lift with effort dockworkers hoisted all 164 barrels of molasses out of the ship's hold when it arrived in port

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to lift

to move from a lower to a higher place or position hoisted the flag on the flagpole

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to sip

to swallow in liquid form I have time to hoist a couple beers before heading home

Synonyms & Similar Words

hoist

2 of 2

noun

as in raising

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 climbers were then hoisted to safety by the helicopter and transferred to the care of waiting emergency services. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026 Several players with cap hits above the $10 million cutoff have reached the Stanley Cup Final but not hoisted the trophy—most recently Mitch Marner ($12 million) of the Vegas Golden Knights last year. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Noun

Meanwhile, the Colorado Search and Rescue Association began coordinating the hoist rescue. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026 Texas Department of Public Safety — Texas Highway Patrol troopers, helicopters with hoist capability and the Tactical Marine Unit. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hoist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoist

Verb

The game was sealed with an interception from freshman safety Jayden Jack, as Mater Dei freshman quarterback Paytyn Guess heaved the ball to the end zone with the Monarchs out of timeouts and out of options.

— Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
In Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers played in their franchise-record ninth consecutive one-score game, but Minnesota (3-0) held on, 23-16, after batting down a desperate Hail Mary heave as time expired.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of heave

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

Definition of lift

Verb

That's because the path is now clear on all drinking, sipping, chugging and shotgunning beverages in the NFL.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Just outside of the Theater is a Prohibition-style cocktail bar, where guests can order a drink to sip on and take to their seats for film screenings or perhaps even a magic show.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of sip

Noun

The best teams are built when people feel safe raising concerns, challenging assumptions and contributing.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Often, this includes a retinue of staff — assistants, nannies, security guards — involved in the raising and protection of children.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of raising

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

Definition of raise

Noun

Northrop Grumman has completed the first fully autonomous flight of its YFQ-48A Talon Blue aircraft, covering taxi, takeoff, in-flight manoeuvres, and landing.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
All that means heavier construction and a sturdier undercarriage, which affects things like takeoff weight and operational range.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of takeoff

Verb

The customer gulps it down in a single stretch and drops it into a bin – visible proof of his relief, at least for this moment, from the sweltering heat.

— Light Oriye Tamunotonye, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026
Rather than trying to gulp the slimy thing down, Wilkinson went into the kitchen and prepared an extravagant breakfast for himself, complete with Dr Pepper to wash it down.

— Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Definition of gulp

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hoi polloi

hoist

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

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Synonyms of hoist

verb

noun

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