CRANKING (UP) Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

cranking (up)

verb

present participle of crank (up)

as in triggering

to cause to function crank up the CD player so we can dance

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for cranking (up)

Verb

Mitochondria also play central roles in detecting and reacting to stress, and even in triggering cells to self-destruct if damage is deemed too great.

— Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Smoke causes inflammation by triggering the body’s immune system to go into overtime to fight the irritant.

— Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

The second exercise is a double-leg glute bridge and hold, which focuses on activating those hamstrings and glutes — both essential muscles in supporting acceleration and top speed.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Those launches were successful, but ground teams ran into problems activating and commissioning satellites made by York Space Systems and Lockheed Martin.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Definition of activating

Verb

Rodríguez Castro can be seen wearing a New York Yankees shirt, moving suggestively to driving percussive beats, punctuated by catchy, syncopated vocals.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.

— STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026

Definition of driving

Verb

Think of it like setting off a firework inside of a long, narrow hallway (which, by the way, is a really bad idea).

— Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
Many accounts were opted in by default, making their public photos available to the tool and setting off alarm in the entertainment industry.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of setting off

Verb

In 2024, a Colorado family’s home security camera captured another dog accidentally turning on a stovetop after jumping up to investigate boxes left on the range.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Neighbors rescue two dogs from burning home Fire officials said Bo was the dog seen on video inadvertently turning on the toaster.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of turning on

Verb

The university prepared to wash its hands of this important part of its legacy, touching off a furious backlash.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
With two minutes left in the period, Parayko ran Yurov into the boards from behind, touching off a fight between the Blues’ defenseman and Trenin.

— Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026

Definition of touching off

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Browse Nearby Words

cranking out

cranking (up)

crankish

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“Cranking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranking%20%28up%29. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cranking (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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