Definition of hoistnext

hoist

2 of 2

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
After 48 teams descended upon Canada, Mexico and the United States, 32 teams remained in the knockout stages, which started earlier this week, vying to hoist the trophy on July 19. Mason Leib, ABC News, 1 July 2026 England has been one of the betting favorites—behind only France, Argentina and possibly Spain—to eventually hoist the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
As a result of a lack of supervision, the suit alleged, one resident fell down stairs while strapped to a wheelchair, another fell while one worker used a hoist that required another worker, and one resident ingested poisonous chemicals. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 The company also says the system supports helicopter hoist operations by allowing the winch operator to independently control illumination around the rescue area. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hoist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoist
Verb
  • Serena looked down, heaved a sigh and hooked her knee around the pole before mustering up a halfhearted spin.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • In another video, an emergency worker heaves a large stone aside while working to free people from the wreckage.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The crew took part in rescuing a 47-year-old man who was pulled out of the rubble eight days after the quakes hit, lifting the spirits and morale of rescuers who up until then were primarily uncovering human remains.
    Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Elsewhere in the city, several heavy trucks were lifted and moved as far 30 meters by the winds.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Barcenas' tea-sipping celebration was a tribute to Alex Morgan, one of the Wave's owners, who pretended to take a sip of tea after scoring in a match against England during the 2019 Women's World Cup.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Page Six spotted wedding decor with the logo removed from Madison Square Garden early Saturday morning, possibly a bar for guests to sip Old Fashioneds.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Exceptionally high or record-breaking levels of warm air at the top of the mixed layer of air connected with the earth's surface would also be needed to contribute to the mixing and raising of temperatures near the ground.
    Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • The Port of Los Angeles also clashed with coastal communities last year over the possible raising of the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • But the data center boom has raised many questions about land use, the resources the complexes consume and the risk of costs being spread to other Georgia residents and businesses.
    Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Gonzales ran with a platform decisively to the left, supporting Medicare-for-all, raising the minimum wage and cracking down on junk fees.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The robot staff behind the scenes Pudu's FlashBot will run an intelligent vending system, allowing guests to order drink deliveries by smartphone.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The vehicle uses six tilting propellers to achieve vertical takeoff before switching to forward flight.
    Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • During the test anomaly, Blue Origin lost the lightning tower at its launch site as well as the massive transporter-erector, which moved the rocket from a nearby integration hangar out to the launch site and lifted it vertically for takeoff.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Others can’t stand the sound of gulping.
    Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hoist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoist. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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