quicken

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word quicken distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of quicken are animate, enliven, and vivify. While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert.

the arrival of spring quickens the earth

In what contexts can animate take the place of quicken?

The words animate and quicken can be used in similar contexts, but animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial.

happiness animated his conversation

When is it sensible to use enliven instead of quicken?

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

enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

When could vivify be used to replace quicken?

The words vivify and quicken are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 quicken The city’s pulse quickens as rooftop bars buzz with laughter and live music fills the air from intimate lounges. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 25 Oct. 2024 In a bid to rebuild fiscal credibility, Giorgetti quickened the timetable for that, pledging to bring shortfalls to below that ceiling by 2026 and to start reducing its mammoth debt a year later. Kali Hays, Fortune Europe, 16 Oct. 2024 My goal with this guide is to give you a few options that can still quicken your pulse without upsetting your stomach. Samantha Allen, Them, 15 Oct. 2024 Love is in the air on the Colorado plains — the kind that makes your heart beat a bit faster, quickens your step and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Thomas Peipert, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quicken 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • But when compared to last year’s unreliable defense that failed to close out numerous close games, much less help accelerate blowouts, what the unit is doing this year is a breath of fresh air in Boulder.
    Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The technology is also transforming medical imaging and has been helpful in accelerating the drug discovery process.
    Nir Eisikovits, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Four electrodes were placed on the heads of healthy individuals to stimulate the brain’s hippocampus and the entorhinal complex, deep structures that are crucial to spatial memory.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Walking outdoors is especially helpful as sunlight stimulates the secretion of mood-boosting neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, adds Farina.
    Noma Nazish, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Among the victims rushed to hospital, many had eye injuries, missing fingers or gaping holes in their abdomens, Reuters witnesses saw, indicating their proximity to the devices at the time of detonation.
    Reuters, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
  • As anticipated, some waits appeared throughout the day, particularly as voters rushed to cast ballots in the hours before polls closed.
    Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near quicken

Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on quicken

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