Synonyms of quicken

quicken

verb

ˈkwi-kən 

1

as in to accelerate

to cause to move or proceed fast or faster

she eventually quickened her pace so she could keep up with the others

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accelerate
• rush
• hasten
• push
• hurry
• encourage
• urge
• speed (up)
• facilitate
• fast-track
• whisk
• spur
• expedite
• race
• propel
• drive
• bundle
• aid
• stir
• prod
• goad
• ease
• dispatch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• brake
• slow (down)
• decelerate
• retard
• hinder
• impede
• restrain
• delay
• interfere (with)
• hamper
• encumber
• hobble
• stop
• tie up
• check
• hold back
• rein (in)
• stay
• hold up
• arrest
• fetter
• stall
• shackle
• still
• trammel
• manacle

2

as in to stimulate

to give life, vigor, or spirit to

the news that we'd head to Florida for Christmas quickened the children, who instantly began jumping for joy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stimulate
• arouse
• invigorate
• enliven
• stir
• animate
• energize
• awaken
• provoke
• excite
• vivify
• vitalize
• activate
• inspire
• electrify
• revive
• strengthen
• jazz (up)
• drive
• jump-start
• cheer
• rouse
• propel
• motivate
• lift
• trigger
• zip (up)
• spike
• spark
• liven (up)
• fire
• motive
• raise
• recreate
• amp (up)
• boost
• brace
• awake
• impel
• move
• fillip
• pep (up)
• refresh
• charge
• rally
• renew
• juice up
• resurrect
• wake (up)
• actuate
• ginger (up)
• galvanize
• incite
• foment
• infuse
• kindle
• set off
• inflame
• instigate
• hearten
• embolden
• reinvigorate
• reawaken
• rekindle
• regenerate
• ferment
• abet
• buoy
• revitalize
• fortify
• enkindle
• reactivate
• rejuvenate
• whip (up)
• reanimate
• resuscitate
• turn on
• steel
• recharge
• reenergize
• refreshen
• restimulate
• reawake

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• kill
• dull
• dampen
• deaden
• weaken
• undermine
• slow
• weary
• damp
• harass
• drain
• wear
• exhaust
• debilitate
• restrain
• check
• inhibit
• enfeeble
• sap
• burn out
• suppress
• fatigue
• wear out
• quench
• do in
• curb
• quell
• wash out
• repress
• knock out
• enervate
• discourage
• still
• stunt
• daunt
• dishearten
• tucker (out)
• demoralize
• fag
• kayo
• jade
• dispirit

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of quicken

Even after three decades of making such discoveries, Del Río said his pulse quickened. —Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026

That likely helped quicken Iran’s retaliation compared to the lag seen in the immediate outbreak of the 12-day war last June. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026

The slide quickened from 2015 to 2024 as Oklahoma dropped from 37th to 48th. —Jennifer Palmer, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026

Paces quickened, and the chefs’ concentration intensified. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026