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
For some of them, especially those animated by the conviction — not entirely unreasonable — that real power in America lies with shadowy, malevolent and unaccountable forces, the Epstein mythology is too central to their worldview to let go of. Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025 There’s a cuteness to how it was animated. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
No matter its age and despite its survival being dependent on machines, just like its mother, the fetus is entirely animate. Lindsey Breitwieser, The Conversation, 1 July 2025 That early and incisive stance on monopoly power foreshadows the themes that animate Market Crafters. Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
  • For the first part of the trial, Mowery spent 10 days in the hospital while doctors created a grid of more than 100 points on his head to try to find different circuits or certain activation for pain by watching and stimulating his brain.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The movie, created with partners Native Foreign and Vertigo Films, is being produced in just nine months on a budget under $30 million—far less than typical animated features—and is slated to debut at Cannes before a global 2026 release.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The animated series touches on the relationships between fathers and sons, prompting Yeun, as the lead actor, to reflect on his own fatherhood journey.
    Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On a sunny Tuesday morning, 35-year-old Rita Guerrero stepped out from her door on North Mariposa Street, lively pup Olive barely contained by her leash.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Zarutska worked in a lively area of the lower South End dotted with breweries, apartment complexes and coffee shops.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bruce Willis is still alive, his family and a caregiving team by his side at all hours.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But keeping the tradition alive is challenging.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Labradors are often more energetic and bred for hunting, retrieving, and service work, whereas goldens are prized for their patience, friendliness, and trainability.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Inspired by the tradition of the divine feminine, the energetic space captivates with colors, abstract wall art and a goddess sculpture done by the dynamic sister artist duo’s mother.
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Speaking of the 2023 playoffs, the Rangers active 28-man roster features only three players who were also on their ‘23 postseason roster.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To qualify for a portion of the county arts funding, organizations must be active 501(c)3 entities, located and operating in Milwaukee County, organized for the primary purpose of producing or presenting the arts, and open to the general public, according to the county's application terms.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 12 Sep. 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!