as in to trigger
to cause to function
crank up the CD player so we can dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crank (up)
Verb
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The union said Stepan Shevchuk was the man killed when a failure of a precast concrete segment triggered a progressive collapse.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026 -
Dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat buildup and allergens accumulate over months, affecting your sleep quality and potentially triggering sneezing and congestion.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The device uses heat therapy combined with SonicGlow to activate your skin care by assisting with deeper absorption and effectiveness.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
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An infusion of calcium, for example, can activate a cell, and chloride can tamp down cell activity.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Aurora University recruit crushed his second home run of the season, a two-run shot that sparked the Blackhawks to a 17-0 Upstate Eight Conference win in four innings at Streamwood.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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Still, the image sparked backlash from Christians across the political spectrum, with critics calling it inappropriate and offensive.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But the markets could be driven by a broader picture.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
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On a recent Tuesday morning, as his parents were driving him to the federal prison in Connecticut where he'll be locked up for the foreseeable future, 20-year-old Matthew Lane sent a text message to ABC News.—
Mike Levine,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The photo was captured using a modified GoPro camera attached to one of Orion's four solar panels, which power the spacecraft by converting sunlight into usable electricity.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
13 Apr. 2026
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Once the nation’s leading oil producer, California helped power the country’s growth.—
Paige Gilliard,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Crank (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crank%20%28up%29. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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