as in to stimulate
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 & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
an animate dance routine that will really get the blood pumping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in breathing
having or showing life
had a dream about a sandwich that becomes animate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of animate
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
There are moments when Plemons lights up — sits forward, gets animated — praising his co-stars and the people in his life.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
The research found that cats exposed to programs showing animate and inanimate forms of movement—rather than human activity or blank screens—spent significantly more time looking at television monitors.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for animate
Verb
From that point on, films had to be at least 75 percent animated in order to be considered.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
There are moments when Plemons lights up — sits forward, gets animated — praising his co-stars and the people in his life.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
In his account of an Essex owl evening, all senses seem to merge, and all distinction between animate and inanimate disappears.
—Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
The research found that cats exposed to programs showing animate and inanimate forms of movement—rather than human activity or blank screens—spent significantly more time looking at television monitors.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
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In addition to pure retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this unique product features retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant-rich skin protectant, as well as retinyl acetate, a natural form of vitamin A that keeps pores clean while stimulating collagen production.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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Standard lasers create powerful beams by bouncing light between microscopic mirrors to stimulate more light production; this new tool uses the same principle to amplify vibrations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The show's only limit is its imagination, as fans have already seen Captain Pike and his crew delight in musical and animated episodes.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
2 Jan. 2026
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The sequel, which has the Ghostbusters facing off with the spirit of Vigo the Carpathian and his profoundly negative vibes, ends in a joyous celebration that brings the Big Apple together while an animated Statue of Liberty stomps to the rescue.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Chabada For a livelier scene, head to the main drag along Platja de l’Arenal to find Chabada.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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The style throughout, irrespective of category, is lively without being hectic, a pleasing postmodern blend of contemporary, midcentury, and roughly Victorian elements.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Many failed to reach the relatively modest goal of staying alive.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
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In a recent appearance on the Katie Miller Podcast — hosted by the wife of Stephen Miller, who currently serves as homeland security advisor to the White House — Kennedy expressed astonishment that the president is even alive.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Practical courage lifts your finances as energetic Mars squares vulnerable Chiron in your 2nd House of Accounting, guiding you to spend wisely while respecting personal values.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
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The class of 2026 under France coach Didier Deschamps is a mix of energetic youth and experienced heads with Dembélé poised to be one of the leading figures alongside fellow striker Kylian Mbappé.—
Amanda Davies,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Benn, a 17-year veteran, played with a visor for the first time in 1,216 career games, leaving Nashville center Ryan O'Reilly, Minnesota defenseman Zach Bogosian, and Sharks winger Ryan Reaves as the last three active players who have never worn a visor in an NHL game.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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According to Moore, crews believe the fire had been fully extinguished after follow-up checks found no active flames, even as high winds later reignited embers buried in the root system.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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