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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The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report moved the program’s day of reckoning squarely into the next presidential term, projecting that the retirement trust fund will be depleted in 2032 — triggering an automatic 22% cut to every retirement and survivor benefit.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026 -
Iran’s hold over the critical Middle Eastern passageway has discouraged activity in the area, triggering a sweeping blockage of oil tankers and a global energy emergency.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Philadelphia declared a heat health emergency for Thursday and Friday, activating cooling centers, home visits by field teams, outreach to people experiencing homelessness and other services.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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Wisp will be activating at Pride events in New York City this month, with staff on the ground having one-on-one conversations.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The Boston Symphony Orchestra has also ousted its popular music director, sparking a crisis among donors, patrons and audiences.—
Philip Kennicott,
Washington Post,
7 June 2026
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The race for Susan Collins’ seat sparking a new reckoning about how Democrats deal with scandal.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Verb
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And much of their Finals journey was overshadowed by the OJ Simpson case that began with a white Ford Bronco slowly driving down Southern California freeways in the middle of the opening game.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Investigators said Morabia Siddhi Suresh, 33, of Fremont, California, had been driving in rainy conditions when she was involved in a separate collision, according to Kentucky State Police.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Other videos show fans setting off fireworks in the street and getting quickly arrested.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
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Senior first baseman Kaitlyn Streiler suffered a broken hand on April 18, setting off a chain reaction that included Beals shifting to first.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Her stomach was already turning on her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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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 15 Jun. 2026.
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