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Definitions

heave

[heev] / hiv /
VERB
lift, throw with effort
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fling haul hoist hurl sling tug
STRONG
boost cast chuck drag elevate heft launch pitch pull raise send toss
Antonyms
STRONG
decrease depress destroy drop finish keep lessen lower raze receive stop
VERB
discharge with force; expel from digestive system by mouth
Synonyms
STRONGEST
breathe exhale groan huff puff spew vomit
STRONG
billow cast dilate disgorge expand gag palpitate pant puke retch rise sign sob surge suspire swell throb upchuck
WEAK
spit up throw up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hide inhale secret
STRONG
compress contract lessen lower shrink

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the part of the forest they control, he and other Romee youngsters heave logs to be burned and turned into charcoal, then sent by canoe to the provincial capital Kisangani.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Olha Kosova’s husband is in the military, and the power cuts made it hard to heave the heavy stroller up to the fourth floor and heat water to bathe her 1-year-old daughter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

As pressure under the surface increased, the ground started to heave.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Luka Doncic didn’t celebrate when he sank his first half-court heave during warmups.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

I don’t even want to write the words as the thought of seeing it written in front of me makes my chest heave and my eyes sting.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler