Thesaurus

animate

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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of animate

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 for animate

Words Related to animate

Near Antonyms for animate

Antonyms for animate

animate

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of animate (Entry 2 of 2)

1 having much high-spirited energy and movement

an animate dance routine that will really get the blood pumping

Synonyms for animate

Words Related to animate

Phrases Synonymous with animate

on the go

Near Antonyms for animate

Antonyms for animate

2 having or showing life

had a dream about a sandwich that becomes animate

Synonyms for animate

Words Related to animate

resurrected

Near Antonyms for animate

stillborn

reposing,
resting

barren,
desert

Antonyms for animate

Frequently Asked Questions About animate

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