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 Debt relief companies also have established relationships with the most common creditors which helps facilitate and quicken the pace of what can be a slow process. Victor Rosario, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025 The pace of change quickened in the early 2000s when more countries adopted similar laws. Christina Erickson, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025 If allies doubt America's commitment—both militarily and economically—the downward spiral only quickens. Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 There were lead changes, momentum swings and quickened pulse rates. Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • Businesses ready to explore how crypto payments can accelerate growth are invited to connect directly through the Vantack platform.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Comment with strategy and purpose The next secret to accelerated growth lives in your LinkedIn commenting strategy.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • These wildfires, while destructive, have also provided researchers with insights into giant sequoia ecology, revealing that moderate-severity burns can stimulate seed release and create favorable germination conditions.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Muscles, heart rate, strength, motor control — and the brain — all are stimulated by exercise.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • That has sparked accusations that investors, including from abroad, rushed to buy Trump's currency as a way to influence the president.
    Rafael Nam, NPR, 19 May 2025
  • Rooney remained on the ice for several minutes as trainers from both the Maple Leafs and the Panthers rushed to help the referee, whose face was bloodied, as were the boards.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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