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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crank (up)

Verb

The findings provide fresh insight into how closely human behavior influences the Earth’s subtle seismic signals, while also helping to dispel the long-standing myth that eclipses can trigger earthquakes.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The annual monsoon season frequently triggers flooding in Assam, where swollen rivers inundate large areas and displace thousands of residents each year.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Compliant Technologies says the devices function as a normal pair of patrol gloves until officers press a switch to activate their electrical mode.

— CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
The attacker on the other side of the keyboard would likely be able to activate the mechanisms in the credential management app to log in to a site or download all the passwords.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Manganiello and O’Connor first sparked romance rumors in September 2023, and later confirmed their relationship in December that same year.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Obsession claimed Best Horror Movie and Best Actress in a Horror Movie for Inde Navarrette, who has sparked awards buzz ever since the record-breaking film first swept the box office.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

The project, which is expected to take two years, has brought construction noise, dust and the loss of nearby parking spaces, all of which merchants say have driven customers away.

— Maddie White, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
This heat drives the park’s geysers and hot springs while producing frequent earthquakes and gradual changes in the ground.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

To power the thrusters, these satellites usually have some form of fuel built in.

— Julian Dossett, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026
The goal is to solve the nation’s nuclear waste disposal problems just in time to power the construction gold rush of AI data centers with a renaissance of next-generation nuclear energy.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of power

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.

Browse Nearby Words

cranks (up)

crank (up)

cranky

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Crank (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crank%20%28up%29. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of crank (up)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gnomic

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes