animate 1 of 2

animate

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

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
What’s really lost is the living, breathing splendor that animates the story to the public and helps tether the present generation of fans and players to a past that must be memorialized lest this pivotal part of history be suppressed. Vahe Gregorian july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2025 America's promise remains unfinished, and truth and repair are a robust recipe for stimulating forward momentum that affirms the ideals animating the Declaration of Independence. Tim Ryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Adjective
Throughout the book, land and water are animate, so rivers speak and murmur and remember and address the reader. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 14 May 2025 But other works touch on issues that animate Polish conservatives, including the legacies of Communism and the Holocaust. Alex Marshall, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
  • Doing so could stimulate economic growth, and would be warmly welcomed by the White House and investors.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • Examples include flashing notifications that make your phone jump and squeak, colorful rewards when others like your posts, and algorithms that push out the most emotional content to stimulate your most base emotions of anger, shame or glee.
    Lisa Schirch, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The firm, which was founded three years ago by Julian Jacob, will then focus on transforming other toy brands into animated and live-action series, digital shorts, casual and mobile games, and immersive formats designed for today’s digitally native generation.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 July 2025
  • Martinsen described Arlo as an unusually animated and communicative baby.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Now officially open, the interactive restaurant invites guests to craft their own culinary creations in a lively, open-kitchen setting with stunning bay views that include Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • Visitors are always welcome to join the event for a lively meeting filled with camaraderie, inspiring guest speakers, and a delicious lunch.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • With each passing day, however, the chance of finding someone alive dwindles.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • Though the first women to cast their ballots in Colonial America didn’t live to see their peers regain the right to vote, suffragist leaders like Stanton and Anthony kept these trailblazers' memory alive into the 20th century.
    Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Born 12 years apart, videos shared by their mom online show an energetic and happy Izzy Offett and a reserved Wayland Coe through the years.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • These curious cats are energetic, curious and know their names.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • State records show that Glass House holds multiple active licenses to grow cannabis.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • These insects have been active since the end of June.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!