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 Still, policymakers and investors face a tough spot if the economy slows and inflation quickens. Sarah Min, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025 After the war, the pace of East-West picture book cross-pollination quickened dramatically. Leonard S. Marcus, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Conversations about bringing the war to a close have quickened over the past several weeks as a succession of Western leaders visited Washington, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025 Looking south, in Israel on Tuesday, inflation, already above the official target of 1% to 3%, is expected to quicken further as the country engages in a multi-front conflict. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • In November 2024, the renowned pastor suffered a massive heart attack while delivering a sermon on stage at the church, which was a frightening moment that, according to church insiders, accelerated long-standing plans for succession.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Even then—before the rest of the world went AI-crazy—the CEO of Google DeepMind had a stark warning about the accelerating pace of AI progress.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Laser resurfacing uses the same technology to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) may be suggested to stimulate regrowth.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Over three seasons at Alabama, his sideline-to-sideline speed showed through, as did his ability to rush the quarterback.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • After two strong seasons at Boise State, Jeanty had a historic 2024 season, rushing for 2,601 yards with 29 touchdowns while leading the Broncos to the College Football Playoff.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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