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

Example 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

The social media company on Tuesday also released AI features for its Facebook service that let users animate their profile photos and alter other images with the Meta AI digital assistant. —

Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026 Perhaps the thought of former pros populating college sports and taking spots away animates Congress to act, but the track record isn’t promising. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Adjective

From lanterns several stories tall and hundreds of feet long to interactive exhibits that animate and breathe fire (in the form of smoke, Lewis clarifies), the festival evokes a deep sense of awe. —

Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025 Political violence in the late summer and early fall, along with a government shutdown that began Oct. 1 also appeared to animate voters in the final days of the campaign. —

Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate

Verb

Varying grips, angles and equipment can also help stimulate different portions of the muscle and reduce plateaus.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Lemon water may help digestion by stimulating the release of stomach acid.

— Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026