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

In 2024, Kim divorced her husband, Vladislav Bakalchuk, triggering a fight for control of the company.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
The protests first began in April, triggered by the death of former Chinese Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang at the age of 73.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Aside from third baseman Bo Bichette’s decision about whether to opt out after this season, the Mets’ position-player group doesn’t spark many questions.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The aircraft are part of Colorado's aerial fire-detection program, which sends planes over the state looking for the heat signatures of new fires, particularly those sparked by lightning.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Recordings of Rajab’s call with paramedics gained international attention, driving calls for accountability for her killing and that of thousands of other children in Gaza.

— Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index, also released Friday, showed greater pessimism about the economy this month, likely driven by stubbornly high prices.

— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of drive

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Browse Nearby Words

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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of crank (up)

verb

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