Definition of boostnext
1
as in to hoist
to lift with effort boosted the child into her car seat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
6

boost

2 of 2

noun

1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb boost contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of boost are elevate, heave, hoist, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," 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 boost?

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

elevated the taste of the public

When would heave be a good substitute for boost?

Although the words heave and boost have much in common, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When might hoist be a better fit than boost?

The meanings of hoist and boost largely overlap; however, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When could lift be used to replace boost?

The synonyms lift and boost are sometimes interchangeable, but lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

In what contexts can raise take the place of boost?

The words raise and boost can be used in similar contexts, but 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 boost?

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 boost
Verb
This makes shrimp a solid option for people looking to cut their calories while boosting their protein intake. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 22 Oct. 2026 The tug-of-war at O’Hare has focused on boosting revenue from customers in the nation’s third-largest metropolitan area. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
Democratic candidate Lindsay James, a chaplain who often speaks of her faith to connect with voters, could see a boost because the district includes Sand's hometown of Decorah. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Some of that is coach speak and Dykes wanting to avoid give bulletin board material to a defense in need of a confidence boost. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boost
Verb
  • Then it was hoisted up repeatedly to the helicopter where the crew got each person into the aircraft before lowering the basket again.
    — Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The song is a dreamy barn-raiser, hoisting this premise on warm guitar tones and a plaintive tone that proves a through-line throughout the record.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Kim Hong-Cheol, the South Korean military official, said leaving the dispute over the military demarcation line unresolved would increase the risk of accidental clashes because troops from both sides act on their own understanding of the line.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As rain chances increase overnight, the temperature will drop to 40 degrees.
    — Hali Smith October 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout history, some were commissioned to enhance the interiors with their signature flair while others bartered their artwork for breaks on daily rates and others simply just thrived off the scene.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Each picture mode offers essentially the same rich set of options, except for AI-enhanced, which locks you out of some settings (including local contrast and color tuner), presumably because the AI logic is handling those.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • According to the team, the coordination is important because pushing or lifting an object changes the forces acting on a humanoid’s body.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • What everyday movements reveal Standing from a chair requires a stable base, enough ankle and hip mobility to shift your weight forward, lower body and core strength to lift yourself, and balance to keep you steady.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Chater doesn’t disagree, particularly as promoting the album has prompted more conversations about the subject.
    — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Abe Flores, deputy director of Create CA, a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes arts education for California students, said the challenges SCUSD cited were not unique to the district.
    — Chaewon Chung Updated October 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Video on social media showed distressed shopkeepers begging young men to stop stealing their inventory—and those young men pushing them aside to grab shoes and food from their shelves.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The response comes as the French government increases scrutiny of online marketplaces following reports that goods stolen during Saturday’s unrest were being offered for sale online.
    — Sadie Andrew, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But through the hardships, Andrea Soto said the community’s support has been a positive.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Chinese automakers’ gains in Britain show how quickly consumers will consider a new competitor when the product delivers.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Existing bank account takeover A criminal gains access to your existing checking account, savings account, retirement account or payment app.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boost. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster