heave
15 synonyms and 1 antonym for heave, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To lift, pull, or throw something heavy with a lot of effort.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To lift, pull, or throw something heavy with a lot of effort.
“They heaved the crate onto the back of the truck.”
Opposites
How to use heave
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
heave a sigh
heave a boat ashore
heave with effort
Etymology
From Old English hebban, meaning to lift or raise — the same ancient root that gives us "heavy."
Full origin of heave →Frequently asked questions
What does “heave” mean?
The word “heave” means to lift, pull, or throw something heavy with a lot of effort. In plain terms, to lift or pull something heavy with visible effort — or for the stomach/chest, to rise and fall.
How do you pronounce “heave”?
“Heave” is pronounced HEEV (/ˈhiːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “heave” in a sentence?
Here is “heave” used in a sentence: “They heaved the crate onto the back of the truck.”
What part of speech is “heave”?
Depending on how it is used, “heave” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “heave” come from?
The word “heave” comes from Old English. From Old English hebban, meaning to lift or raise — the same ancient root that gives us "heavy.".
How many meanings does “heave” have?
“Heave” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to lift, pull, or throw something heavy with a lot of effort.
