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heave 1 of 2

Definition of heavenext
1
as in to hoist
to lift with effort I heaved my duffel bag into the bus's overhead compartment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to vomit
to discharge the contents of the stomach through the mouth heaved as soon as he stepped off the roller coaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
as in to gasp
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty by the time he reached the top step of the tower, he was heaving

Synonyms & Similar Words

heave

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb heave contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of heave are boost, elevate, hoist, lift, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When might boost be a better fit than heave?

The synonyms boost and heave are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 heave?

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

elevated the taste of the public

When is hoist a more appropriate choice than heave?

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

hoisted the cargo on board

Where would lift be a reasonable alternative to heave?

The words lift and heave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

When can raise be used instead of heave?

The words raise and heave 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 do rear and raise relate to one another, in the sense of heave?

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 heave
Verb
On a crucial third-and-11 in the fourth quarter, Bo Nix put all his faith in a 31-yard heave up the right sideline, and the 5-foot-11 Mims came down with a grown man’s grab on cornerback Andru Phillips. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025 Flaming palm fronds heaved back and forth across the frame, and embers streaked the air. Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
And truth be told, Brosmer responded by throwing one of the worst interceptions in Vikings history, a panicked, underhanded heave that had about three Seahawks defenders lining up for an interception. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2025 Punter Sean West — whose long 24-yard heave on a fake punt outgained every quarterback on the roster. Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heave
Verb
  • The demonstrator climbed the front of the embassy building in Kensington before ripping down the regime’s flag and hoisting the historic symbol associated with Iran’s monarchy prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution as a large crowd of anti-regime protesters cheered.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Night vision goggles worn by the pilot and hoist operator give a tube of vision, explained Atkins.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • My cat vomits once every week or two.
    Jane Sykes, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The predominant symptoms experienced by the ill passengers and crew members were vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Once the polish is fully dry and hardened, use a credit card or your fingers to lift under the blob and break it off.
    Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Matthew Stafford threw a 19-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds to lift the Los Angeles Rams to a dramatic 34-31 wild-card round win over the Carolina Panthers in the opening game of the NFL playoffs on Saturday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But Pierre threw the ball away leading to two more free throws for Council with 21 seconds remaining.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Young was remarkably efficient, throwing three TD passes of 30-plus yards and going 15-for-20 for 206 yards.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Those in the audience were heard clapping, cheering and even gasping during the performance.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Upon announcing her status as a Faithful, the whole room gasps.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This allows robots to use power for thrust when needed and deploy wings to glide when conserving battery.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • This is likewise the thrust of Salò, based on the Marquis de Sade’s The 120 Days of Sodom, an orgiastic, disturbing carnival of torture, rape, and killing, reset by Pasolini in the town from which fascism reigned in the 1940s.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Over roughly three hours, agents came under gunfire, were rammed four times and faced mobs hurling debris.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Also this week, a former paralegal was acquitted after hurling a sandwich at a federal agent in August; Sabzi, a deli in Cornwall, England, is alleging that author Yasmin Khan’s new cookbook with the same name is trademark infringement; and more.
    Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Wanda Sykes made sure that comedian Ricky Gervais — a comedian whose past material raised eyebrows and allegations of transphobia — shared his big 2026 Golden Globes night with a higher power and the transgender community.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
  • One of them, fist raised to the sky, let out a long yell, the hoarse shout of a gold panner.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Heave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heave. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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