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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He was removed from office last year after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment, triggering a snap election that was won by liberal President Lee Jae Myung.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026 -
During these cosmic collisions, gas is funneled toward galactic centers, triggering intense bursts of star formation, later followed by supernova explosions that drive powerful winds that prevent any new stars from being born.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
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To fill that void, Denver’s activating rookie inside linebacker Jordan Turner from the practice squad for Sunday’s game in Vegas.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
6 Dec. 2025
-
Dallas elevated defensive end Isaiah Land from the practice squad, activating him for the Cowboys' primetime matchup against the Lions.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The New York Knicks ended their 53-year wait for a third NBA championship Saturday night, sparking wild celebrations across the city, some of which led to violence and arrests.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
14 June 2026
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The fallout of the decision has reverberated beyond Washington, sparking reactions from politicians around the world.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
14 June 2026
Verb
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After a few minutes, police allowed the van to continue its journey, issuing only a warning citation to Abrego Garcia for driving on an expired license.—
Evan Mealins,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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Though their onscreen chemistry was undoubtedly a driving force for the show, things took an unexpected turn circa 2013.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
FOXNews.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Seeking revenge, Onimaru impulsively picks up a demonic sword in a shortcut to power, setting off a grand adventure.—
Kambole Campbell,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
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The Supreme Court temporarily paused a lower-court order requiring the White House to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during a government shutdown, setting off a wave of reaction from both sides of the political spectrum.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Her stomach was already turning on her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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The moose charged the woman and kicked her several times before turning on the dogs.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Then the final five seconds of the middle frame got heated, with Wild forward Marcus Foligno and Dallas defender Thomas Harley’s collision in front of the Minnesota bench touching off a skirmish, and ending with the Stars on a power play to start the third.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
21 Apr. 2026
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Then suddenly, one set charged the other, touching off yearslong bloodshed that researchers are comparing to a human civil war.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 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 17 Jun. 2026.
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