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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
But Blippi is not animated, and is aimed at kids who are little older than those who might enjoy CoComelon. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 Apr. 2025 Zawada also directed and animated a feature film to accompany the album, which will screen in theaters on May 8. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Toward the end, the story begins to shift perspective, first from Gabriel to his friend June, then to Thornton, and finally to the animate natural world around them. Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 While different religions and ancient cultures had described the planet as animate for eons, Lovelock’s contemporaries in the scientific community were more apt to shun this notion, preferring a Darwinian stance that species adapted to their environments, but not vice versa. Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
  • Laser resurfacing uses the same technology to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) may be suggested to stimulate regrowth.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Looney Tunes film, featuring Forte and John Cena opposite an animated Wile E. Coyote, became the most talked about movie in Hollywood in late 2023 when The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Warner Bros. intended to scrap the movie as part of a $115 million writedown.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Fox’s rollout includes return dates for animated series like Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy, as well as premieres for reality programs including MasterChef (returning for a 15th season dubbed Dynamic Duos) and unscripted newbie The Snake, hosted by comedian Jim Jefferies.
    Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His crossword is not themed, but the entry is lively nonetheless.
    Deb Amlen, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Located right on the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s liveliest piazza built atop the ancient Roman Capitolium, this museum gives new life to a majestic 17th-century palazzo.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sunny and Gizmo have only been alive for a few weeks but have already garnered quite a few fans.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Harrison was a member of two bands in which every member is still alive and yet the chances of a concert reunion are virtually nonexistent.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The energy rises as the wrestler and the rapper take energetic strides and bounce to the ring.
    Shaheem Reid, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The rest of the evening was largely an energetic affair that oscillated between sincere appreciation and light humor, the latter of which began for co-host and winner Gold early in the event.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The 1880s were the most active decade for U.S. hurricane landfalls on record.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Redshirt freshman Kaleb Annett was the most active quarterback on the day, throwing for 77 yards and a touchdown on a 6-for-10 throwing performance.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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