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

On Sunday, authorities said one man was arrested on Kefalonia on suspicion of having started a fire that spread quickly in the southeastern part of the island, triggering the evacuation of nearby villages.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Israel even went after Tehran’s own leaders – killing former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – in the hope of triggering regime change, which has so far failed.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

However, Daniel Palencia will pitch at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and could be activated soon, resuming his closer role.

— Greg Jewett, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
For organizations seeking meaningful ways to activate teams and elevate corporate culture, five actionable strategies can bring allyship to life well beyond a single date on the calendar.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

The massive influx of people, which totaled 70% of Ceuta’s resident population, sparked calls by local Spanish authorities for police and the army to establish order.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
In fact, this unassuming little coupe was the one car that sparked the global roadster boom of the early 1990s, when the MX-5’s huge popularity convinced European carmakers to create the Boxster, SLK, TT, Z3, MGF and Barchetta.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Other experts say that unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving the weakness in yen, the intervention's effects are likely to be short-lived.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Both have driven over 20B minutes of viewership on streaming platforms from January through June.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of drive

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cranks (up)

crank (up)

cranky

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“Crank (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crank%20%28up%29. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of crank (up)

verb

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