quicken

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word quicken distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of quicken are animate, enliven, and vivify. While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert.

the arrival of spring quickens the earth

In what contexts can animate take the place of quicken?

The words animate and quicken can be used in similar contexts, but animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial.

happiness animated his conversation

When is it sensible to use enliven instead of quicken?

Although the words enliven and quicken have much in common, enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity.

enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

When could vivify be used to replace quicken?

The words vivify and quicken are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality.

new blood needed to vivify the dying club

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quicken That's about how far the reservoir has dropped since 2020, though the decline can quicken the lower the water goes because the reservoir is essentially V-shaped. Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025 He also was determined to quicken other aspects of his game. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025 Scientists anticipate that Earth's rotation will quicken enough to create three shorter days between July and August. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 July 2025 Birth after death For centuries, Catholic dogma and Western legal precedent have mandated immediate cesarean section when a pregnant woman died after quickening, the point when fetal movement becomes discernible. Lindsey Breitwieser, The Conversation, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rallied 1% after data showed accelerating growth in earnings for Japanese workers.
    Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Google and Meta on Friday announced new partnerships with Reliance Industries as the Indian conglomerate seeks to accelerate its push into artificial intelligence.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the first part of the trial, Mowery spent 10 days in the hospital while doctors created a grid of more than 100 points on his head to try to find different circuits or certain activation for pain by watching and stimulating his brain.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Panthers were always going to favor Jones and DJ Wonnum in a pass-rushing rotation.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Paramedics rushed him to the hospital.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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