uplift

1 of 3

verb

up·lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift

uplifted; uplifting; uplifts

Synonyms of uplift

transitive verb

: to lift up : elevate

especially : to cause (a portion of the earth's surface) to rise above adjacent areas

: to improve the spiritual, social, or intellectual condition of

music that uplifts the soul

intransitive verb

: rise

uplifter noun

uplift

2 of 3

noun (1)

up·lift ˈəp-ˌlift

: an act, process, result, or cause of uplifting: such as

a(1)

: the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface

(2)

: an uplifted mass of land

: a bettering of a condition especially spiritually, socially, or intellectually

c(1)

: influences intended to uplift

(2)

: a social movement to improve especially morally or culturally

: a bra designed to hold the breasts up

uplifter

3 of 3

noun (2)

up·lift·er

ˌəpˈliftə(r)

: one that uplifts

especially : a person engaged in or devoted to the improvement of society

Examples of uplift in a Sentence

Verb music that uplifts the soul geologic forces that uplifted the mountains

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Verb

Osborn launched into a discussion about uplifting workers and building bridges with both parties to bring about real change. — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 But her undeniable popularity also uplifted national pride at a time when wounds from the 1982 Malvinas War were still fresh and the country’s return to democracy firmed its footing. — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026

Noun

The campaign drove a 700% year-on-year increase in Charlotte Tilbury sales, while the wider cosmetics category saw a 36% uplift, according to QDF. — Kapila Ireland, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 Sondheim’s worst songs are dragged down by uplift, whose insincerity shines right through. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uplift

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

circa 1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of uplift was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

upleap

uplift

uplifter

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Uplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uplift. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

uplift

1 of 2 verb

up·lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift

: to lift up : elevate

: to improve the spiritual, mental, or social condition of

uplift

2 of 2 noun

up·lift ˈəp-ˌlift

: an act, process, or result of uplifting

especially : the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface

: moral or social improvement or a movement to make such improvement

uplift

verb

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of uplift

Examples of uplift in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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