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 There were lead changes, momentum swings and quickened pulse rates. Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025 The world’s glaciers lost ice at a rate of about 255 billion tons annually from 2000 to 2011, but that quickened to about 346 billion tons annually over the next decade, the study found. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • Currently, a shift in technology and user behavior might accelerate the conclusion of the agreement.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Witnesses told police the SUV appeared to accelerate directly at the family.
    Bethany Brown, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Aeration stimulates new growth to cover areas damaged by fairy rings.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
  • Zaria Court is designed to stimulate local economies, creating jobs not only in sports but also in surrounding sectors, from retail to hospitality.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • While some were rushing to a last-minute facial or doing one final fitting, friends of LaQuan Smith took the night before the Met as a chance to unwind before the big day.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • That high prices foretell lower prices rates more discussion as Republicans and conservatives rush to anoint former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chairman.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on quicken

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