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

Before this dilemma can play out, Hal triggers an Indiana Jones–esque booby trap inside the compound’s stronghold, summoning Macon’s men with their advanced weaponry.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
The rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Researchers therefore began exploring partial reprogramming, briefly activating the Yamanaka factors in ways that appear to rejuvenate cells while maintaining their specialized identities.

— Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
If the vehicle has no power and the window remains fully raised, Tesla warns the glass could shatter when someone activates the release.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

That debate sparked angry exchanges among different justices, which led Justice Flávio Dino to ask for the review that led to postponing the decision.

— MAURICIO SAVARESE, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Her love of travel has been a lifelong passion but was undeniably sparked by a spontaneous solo trip to London her junior year of college.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Maybe real New Yorkers do drive, because this is some serious New York behavior.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Yet the deepest human transformations operate on a different layer of architecture—driven by adaptive, systemic processes that our analytical minds can’t fully dictate.

— Patrick Murphy, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

That was enough to power the film to the best opening weekend in Scream history.

— Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
Onslaught Is All Blood, No Guts Adam Wingard’s latest film is a too-slick wannabe grindhouse action-slasher lacking the engine necessary to power it.

— Britina Cheng, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of power

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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 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of crank (up)

verb

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