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 partial phases of the eclipse begin; the pace quickens and the change is dramatic. Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Mar. 2025 By half past two, the bleachers are packed; a helicopter tracks the scene overhead as men and women with earpieces make quickening tours. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024 Used cars, shelter and transportation cost increases also played a role in quickening price growth for the month, noted Elizabeth Renter, senior economist at NerdWallet. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025 The science is in on that: red quickens the pulse and sticks in the memory as no other color does—an echo, probably, of a time when detecting blood and ripe fruit was a more pressing evolutionary concern. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • Business leaders obtain the necessary insights to reduce carbon and material usage, accelerate CSRD compliance, and accurately measure the financial and sustainability impact of their decisions.
    Sophia Mendelsohn, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump’s sweeping and severe new tariffs on more than 180 countries prompted a sell-off in stock markets in the U.S. and abroad, raising investor alarm over looming trade wars and accelerating inflation as the levies threaten to increase prices for consumers.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Access to the leaves will stimulate scientific research that will objectively assess coca’s medical and therapeutic potential and benefits, with the ultimate goal of making available for all people a plant that promises to improve their well-being and ease the day-to-day challenges of their lives.
    Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
  • As the moon and Mars collide, rushing toward your future stimulates unnecessary stress.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The mayhem unfolded after the teen was walking back into the lobby area when Sampson rushed over to the girl and grabbed her arm, the affidavit reads.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Sellers, a redshirt freshman taking over for Spencer Rattler, emerged as a dynamic dual threat, passing for 2,534 yards, rushing for 674 and generally providing belief to the rest of the team.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on quicken

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