hoist 1 of 2

verb

ˈhȯist How to pronounce hoist (audio)
Definition of hoistnext
1
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
2
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
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Thunder are playing in their first conference finals this decade and, according to FanDuel Sportsbooks, have the best odds to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy, with -250 odds. —Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 The forces of economic uncertainty have been hoisted upon the religious elements of our society, and that has strained synagogues here in Broward, which can be unfortunate and frightening. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Noun
Working with the local sheriff's office, a member of that search and rescue crew was lowered to the ground on the helicopter's hoist and used that to lift the hiker back up. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2025 This looked like the player who two-putted every green in the final round at St. Andrews, who missed two short putts in the closing stretch at Pinehurst No. 2 last summer to watch Bryson DeChambeau hoist that U.S. Open trophy. —Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hoist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoist
  1. heave
  2. lift
  3. sip
  4. raise
  5. drink
  6. takeoff
  7. gulp
  8. levitation
Verb
  • In the end, the lights came back on across town at about 3:30pm here — and the city heaved an audible sigh of relief.
    — Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 24 May 2025
  • This season, Brentford have heaved 92 throw-ins directly into the penalty area from the attacking quarter of the pitch.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Definition of heave
Verb
  • But after President Joseph R. Biden Jr. lifted the bans in January 2021, travel from those countries — and from Chad, Libya and Yemen — more than rebounded.
    — Allison McCann, New York Times, 5 June 2025
  • But the restrictions haven’t been lifted, causing intense displeasure inside the Trump administration and prompting a recent series of measures imposed on China, three administration officials told CNN last week.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Definition of lift
Verb
  • Both the blanco and the reposado are ideal for sipping as well as mixing.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
  • Visit the sprawling estates of the island's interior to sip some of the world's best coffee amidst the untouched expanses of the Blue Mountains.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Definition of sip
Verb
  • At Davis’ arraignment Wednesday, prosecutors demanded bail raised to $300,000, but Yolo Superior Court Judge Clara Levers reluctantly let Davis’ bail stand ahead of his next appearance June 23 in Yolo Superior Court.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2025
  • Stay hydrated: Since dry mouth raises gum disease risk, make sure to drink plenty of water.
    — Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 May 2025
Definition of raise
Verb
  • This advisory is in effect until Friday at 9 p.m. NWS Heat Wave Safety Advice: Protect yourself with these recommendations Stay hydrated: Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • The event will include food, drink, a concert and more.
    — La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of drink
Noun
  • Holcombe suggests waiting until after takeoff to ask about switching seats—never make a request during boarding when the crew is trying to get everyone settled.
    — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • Build your brand now, so your business has a runway before takeoff.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of takeoff
Verb
  • The young woman gulps it down, not realizing it is laced with a sedative.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 May 2025
  • Some daredevils will let tarpon, which can grow up to 8 feet long, gulp their hands to the wrist for a great video moment, but Robbie’s visitors on a relatively quiet day in March were dangling fish through holes in a net, seemingly reluctant to participate in any unnerving limb gulping.
    — Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of gulp
Noun
  • By the second half of last week, the tape had settled back into a low-drama upward grind, the kind of boring-is-beautiful action that often prevails in trending bull markets, including Friday’s late-day levitation to seal a 5.3% weekly gain.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 May 2025
  • McCartney, who originated the role in London, promises a Broadway show that’s harder, faster, better — and packed with more high-tech onstage illusions including levitation and elaborate set pieces that arrive from all directions.
    — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of levitation

Browse Nearby Words

hoi polloi
hoist
hoisted
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Cite this Entry

“Hoist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoist. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hoist

Nglish: Translation of hoist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hoist

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