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

Both were booked Wednesday, triggering one-game suspensions that will keep them out of one of the club’s biggest matches of the season.

— Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Peptides are the building blocks of more complex proteins, triggering hormones inside the body needed for growth, metabolism and healing.

— Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 23 July 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

Erlich’s installations remain incomplete until visitors enter them, activating the works through their own movement, curiosity and participation.

— Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Stewart grabs the ring activating it, before the car crashes in the canyon below.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Definition of activating

Verb

Mike McDaniel is the new offensive coordinator, sparking excitement for Johnston to build off his flashes from last season.

— Jake Ciely, New York Times, 22 July 2026
This follows June and July reports that COSR lacked the finances, sparking American fans' hopes for Chiles to reclaim the medal.

— Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of sparking

Verb

His top priorities include driving economic growth, creating well-paying jobs, and expanding opportunities for both union and non-union workers.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Ballout was suspected of driving a van into a crowd near Berlin’s Pride festival Saturday night before apparently stabbing others with a machete in what authorities believe was an Islamic extremist terror attack.

— Geir Moulson, Chicago Tribune, 26 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cranking (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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