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 The researchers say that if the population keeps growing and water use keeps increasing, the sinking may quicken. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2025 The quickening pace of preparations in Kansas City comes amid a growing number of measles cases nationally. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2025 Power imbalances quicken as the sun confronts Pluto. Usa Today, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 Crawley’s recurring signature shot is a head-on view of a road or train tracks rushing beneath us, often backed by the quickening churn of the score: the music of industrial progress. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • This can accelerate aging and increase the risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
    Essence, Essence, 26 June 2025
  • India’s space ambitions have accelerated under Modi, who was elected to a third term last June and has tried to assert India’s place on the global stage.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • In fact, scientists say today's children are exposed to far fewer antigens—the components that stimulate immune responses—than their grandparents were, despite receiving more immunizations overall.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • The Cancer new moon stimulates your visionary capacities.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Pablo the Newfoundland gets dried off after a bath, minutes before he's rushed to the vet.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Before the doctor could see her, she was rushed to the emergency room.
    Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on quicken

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