as in triggering
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 cranking (up)
Verb
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Even the smallest black dot of mold can affect your health by causing respiratory illnesses or triggering certain allergic reactions from breathing it in constantly.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026 -
In cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, researchers believe higher and repeated doses of cannabis push the endocannabinoid system too far, triggering nausea, vomiting and relentless abdominal pain, according to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your attitude in activating the protocol is an example of courage and dignity.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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For Theory’s fall collection, the designer is activating the old New York nostalgia that solidified the ’90s.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Wilson’s mugshot exploded across social media, sparking a wave of online fixation as many women openly romanticized his looks.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
15 Feb. 2026
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However the new break-up plan diverges from an earlier promise where Ramaphosa said Eskom would be split into three standalone units, sparking uncertainty among some investors, noted South African newspaper Business Day.—
Preeti Jha,
semafor.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Thought about driving a race car.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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In addition to the effects of the pandemic and tariffs, climate issues — drought in Vietnam, heavy rain in Indonesia, and hot, dry weather in Brazil — are blamed for reducing yields of coffee crops and driving up global prices.—
Matt Sedensky,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The plot kicks off when a man from their past, Jago (Harington), returns and disrupts their lives, setting off a tense, romantic and violent chain of events.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
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Damaging winds reaching up to 70 mph roared through southern and central Indiana early Thursday evening, setting off tornado sirens and causing destruction to homes, trees and power lines in Bloomington.—
Carol Kugler,
IndyStar,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
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His naked self-dealing, weaponizing the Justice Department against his political foes, turning on our allies, the casino-fication of the White House — none of it bodes well for the future of our democracy, setting precedents that other presidents on both sides of the aisle could very well continue.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Shortly after Goularte got into their pickup truck in Morgan Hill, authorities say, Velasquez shot at him, touching off an 11-mile high-speed car chase through the city that ended near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue on the southern reaches of San Jose.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
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The Facebook post has been viewed more than 140,000 times, touching off hundreds of comments over driver responsibility and technology.—
David R. Smith,
USA Today,
16 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cranking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranking%20%28up%29. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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