as in triggering
to cause to function
crank up the CD player so we can dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cranking (up)
Verb
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The gruesome discovery would eventually lead authorities to a third woman, in her 80s, killed a few towns over, triggering a manhunt across several states and prompting a two-day closure of schools in Wayne County.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026 -
Skiing safely through avalanche terrain and planning ahead to avoid triggering a slide is part of this courtesy, according to the advocacy group.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Stepping into a room that hot triggers an immediate stress reaction, activating the sympathetic arm of the nervous system, the fight-or-flight response.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
6 Mar. 2026
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Many started online by going to the same shock site, and activating their own profile.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Described by police as a gang rape, the case has added fuel to outrage in a nation where reports of violence against women have surged in recent months, sparking nationwide protests and a flurry of digital activism.—
Eléonore Hughes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Local governments in Taiwan and South Korea reported success in sparking a birthrate revival.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
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Aiden Robbins took the most substantial swing of the night in that inning, driving a two-run, back-side home run to right field.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
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Buckeye by Patrick Ryan A fleeting moment of passion in post–VE Day Ohio binds Cal Jenkins and Margaret Salt, setting off a chain of secrets that spans generations.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His comments caused a stir Wednesday from pro-Israel advocates who felt Newsom was turning on their interests.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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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
Verb
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Last month, the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s editor wrote that a recent job applicant withdrew from consideration for a reporting fellowship after discovering the position included filing notes to an AI writing tool instead of actually writing stories, touching off a heated debate in media circles.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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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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Cite this Entry
“Cranking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranking%20%28up%29. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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