CRANK (UP) Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

crank (up)

verb

Definition of crank (up)

as in to trigger

to cause to function crank up the CD player so we can dance

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for crank (up)

Verb

Russian hybrid attacks are different from a traditional armed attack, but the alliance could theoretically trigger the collective defense clause in those cases.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026
The cortex is where the slow rhythms of deep sleep can be seen, but researchers assumed the signals that triggered them originated elsewhere.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Gonzalez Reyes then returned to his vehicle and drove away with its police-style siren activated, investigators said.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
Nicotine activates reward pathways in the brain, which can create a temporary sense of pleasure and well-being.

— Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Meta Platforms' launch of its Muse AI agent app and Nebius's move to raise rental rates on AI computing access seemed to spark the buying spurt in related AI stocks.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
The partnership has sparked outrage and calls for boycotts from some fans, who view the deal as conflicting with the team's past progressive actions.

— Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Its onboard offerings, wide array of itineraries and shore excursions—particularly those that are food and wine-driven—easily combine education, adventure, and good fun.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
The real Johnny Drama stayed at your house for months, and one of the others drove your kids to school.

— Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

Allen threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores to power the Bills to a 41-31 victory.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
That clean, green energy is then used to power two 15 kW electric motors and the hotel load, enabling true off-grid living.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of power

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cranks (up)

crank (up)

cranky

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Style

“Crank (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crank%20%28up%29. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of crank (up)

verb

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