ANIMATE Synonyms: 268 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'animate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of animate are enliven , quicken , and vivify . While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial. // happiness animated his conversation

Q: When would 'enliven' be a good substitute for 'animate'?

Although the words enliven and animate have much in common, enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity. // enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

Q: In what contexts can 'quicken' take the place of 'animate'?

The words quicken and animate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert. // the arrival of spring quickens the earth

Q: When is 'vivify' a more appropriate choice than 'animate'?

While the synonyms vivify and animate are close in meaning, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality. // new blood needed to vivify the dying club

animate 1 of 2

verb

ˈa-nə-ˌmāt

Definition of animate next

as in to stimulate

to give life, vigor, or spirit to Mr. Clark animates history for his sixth graders by frequently showing up for class dressed like some famous historical figure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

animate

2 of 2

adjective

ˈa-nə-mət

as in animated

having much high-spirited energy and movement an animate dance routine that will really get the blood pumping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in breathing

having or showing life had a dream about a sandwich that becomes animate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word animate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of animate are enliven, quicken, and vivify. While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial.

happiness animated his conversation

When would enliven be a good substitute for animate?

Although the words enliven and animate have much in common, enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity.

enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

In what contexts can quicken take the place of animate?

The words quicken and animate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert.

the arrival of spring quickens the earth

When is vivify a more appropriate choice than animate?

While the synonyms vivify and animate are close in meaning, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality.

new blood needed to vivify the dying club

Examples 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 animate

Verb

Tindle shared photos and stories about his daughter with the team at Industrial Light & Magic, which animated the movie. —

Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 In recent seasons, as boardroom turbulence and financial strife have conjured the peril of a first relegation since the 1950s, the new stadium has come to be seen as a sort of promised land; a solitary, animating ray of light. —

Rory Smith, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Does Humanity weep at these painful separations from everything, animate and inanimate, with which the young heart has become entwined? —

Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2024 The same themes animate Cusk’s nonfiction from this period. —

Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for animate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate

Verb

Chronic stress, when the sympathetic nervous system doesn’t have a chance to release control, stimulates cortisol production.

— Shani Harmon, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Editor tip: This balm also includes Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) extract to stimulate collagen production to improve texture and bounciness.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025