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

Before this dilemma can play out, Hal triggers an Indiana Jones–esque booby trap inside the compound’s stronghold, summoning Macon’s men with their advanced weaponry.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
The rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

The Browns always envisioned defensive tackle Maliek Collins being activated from the physically unable to perform list in time to ramp up for the opener, and Collins is on schedule.

— Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Not even in World War II had this full continuity posture been activated in this manner, and Stafford had to execute a plan the nation had trained for but never used.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Early on Thursday morning technical researcher Eric Lu sparked worldwide excitement and confusion by posting a sequence of 130 digits on X (formerly Twitter).

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026
The pulling of two men alive from a hydropower tunnel deep inside the Nepal Himalaya nine days after the disaster has sparked hope in Nepal.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Haaland, along with Martin Odegaard, was the driving force behind Norway’s run to the quarter-finals.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
If Assembly Bill 1709 is approved, social media companies would need to provide platforms to children under 16 years old that do not include personalized feeds driven by algorithms, autoplaying videos and other features.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

That was enough to power the film to the best opening weekend in Scream history.

— Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
Onslaught Is All Blood, No Guts Adam Wingard’s latest film is a too-slick wannabe grindhouse action-slasher lacking the engine necessary to power it.

— Britina Cheng, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of power

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Browse Nearby Words

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 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of crank (up)

verb

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