animate 1 of 2

Definition of animatenext

animate

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adjective

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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
Doctorow’s animating questions needle at something bigger. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 The film will be animated by WildBrain, including pre-production by WildBrain’s House of Cool. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Adjective
Contending visions of the attorney general’s job Bondi’s tenure illustrates the conflicting visions of what an attorney general should do that animate today’s American politics. Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026 The experiences that animate human writing exist outside of AI’s ken, no matter how vast its training data. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
  • Inside, soy proteins repair and strengthen, copper peptides stimulate keratin production–aka the protein that fortifies and minimizes frizz–and pro-B vitamins amplify fullness.
    Ellie Davis, Vogue, 25 June 2026
  • Deadheading spent blooms will stimulate the plant to produce more flowers.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Annecy, which was established as a bi-annual event in 1960 and shifted to a yearly event in 1998, hosts a main competition every year, with roughly 10 or so animated films of all types — from 2D to 3D to stop-motion — competing for the Cristal for Best Feature Film.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 26 June 2026
  • The film features an original score by acclaimed composer Christophe Beck, whose iconic work on Disney’s Frozen and Frozen II has resonated with audiences around the world and helped define a generation of animated storytelling.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The stadium is alive with Ecuadoran supporters on their feet and rejoicing in the final 10 minutes or so of the game.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • Everything that keeps the testicle alive and functional runs through the spermatic cord — arteries, veins, nerves and lymphatics, bundled together along with the vas deferens.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Similarly, the lively Doyles Irish Pub serves classic pub fare such as wings, a Reuben sandwich, and fish and chips.
    Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • In the evening, Banff’s newest late-night spot, The Dusty Boot Saloon, channels cowboy country motifs through nostalgic saloon energy and a lively dance hall, stage for live music and hidden lounges.
    Kristin Braswell, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 21 June 2026
  • Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • An appearance by Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico sparked the investigation, given his active primary campaign.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
  • Be sure to stay active and exercise.
    Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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