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

But authorities said the crews needed to carefully map out a rescue plan since a reckless excavation could risk triggering a secondary collapse, especially with the boulders at the scene.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Long-term care facilities can be triggering environments, with intimate care often delivered by a changing stream of aides whom residents can't recognize.

— Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Running beta code comes at the consumer’s own risk; diving into the settings to activate features not specifically enabled by Apple will increase that risk.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.

— Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

His goal sparked an offensive assault from Boise as Portland sank into a deep defensive mould, with five defenders and four midfielders sitting tight in their own box.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026
Jon Bernthal as Menelaus Menelaus is the king whose wife Helen sparked the Trojan War.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

To prevent speculation that drives up land price without actual construction, the zoning benefits would be granted only on submission of building-permit applications.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Real estate has always been driven by connections between buyers and sellers.

— Heartland MLS®, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

In May, Elon Musk reportedly spent at least $1 billion to buy an energy company with a fleet of combustion turbines, likely to power his AI model, Grok.

— Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
Chase Infiniti’s heat coming off One Battle After Another was enough to power her campaign more strongly than her show’s.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 17 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of crank (up)

verb

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