as in to trigger
to cause to function
crank up the CD player so we can dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crank (up)
Verb
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Mbappe’s attempt to close down the ball triggers a positional chain reaction that pulls Madrid to one side of the pitch, as Vinicius Jr, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham all move towards the man in possession.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
10 Dec. 2025 -
The clash appears to have been triggered by a dispute over kidnappings, which have been surging in recent months, and has led to the ouster of Kempes Sanon, a powerful gang leader and former police officer.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The state agency’s specialized disaster response team, called MO MORT-1, had also been activated at the request of Bates County, the county where Butler is located.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
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In response to the advisory, the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has activated an emergency outreach plan.—
Miami Herald Staff Report,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2026
Verb
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For the first time since joining international competition, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, marking a milestone achievement for the nation's soccer program and sparking celebrations among Jordanians around the world.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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The day shift also starts making factory-work jokes, with Rekha playing a perky do-bee who just wants to make the boss happy, and Lily adopting an agitator role, demanding workman’s comp and trying to spark revolt.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
Verb
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In other words, the current combination of US political tensions and global conflicts are driving more US nationals to seek new options overseas.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Naturally, Ohtani also singled, doubled, walked and drove in two runs in that game.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The company also does not have to notify the TCEQ if electricity will be used to power a data center.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
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That number is bigger than New York’s Central Park, and the sheer expected electricity generation could power more than half of New Mexico.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Crank (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crank%20%28up%29. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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