ANIMATE Synonyms: 268 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'animate' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of animate are enliven , quicken , and vivify . While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial. // happiness animated his conversation

Q: When would 'enliven' be a good substitute for 'animate'?

Although the words enliven and animate have much in common, enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity. // enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

Q: In what contexts can 'quicken' take the place of 'animate'?

The words quicken and animate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert. // the arrival of spring quickens the earth

Q: When is 'vivify' a more appropriate choice than 'animate'?

While the synonyms vivify and animate are close in meaning, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality. // new blood needed to vivify the dying club

animate 1 of 2

verb

ˈa-nə-ˌmāt

Definition of animate next

as in to stimulate

to give life, vigor, or spirit to Mr. Clark animates history for his sixth graders by frequently showing up for class dressed like some famous historical figure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

animate

2 of 2

adjective

ˈa-nə-mət

as in animated

having much high-spirited energy and movement an animate dance routine that will really get the blood pumping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in breathing

having or showing life had a dream about a sandwich that becomes animate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word animate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of animate are enliven, quicken, and vivify. While all these words mean "to make alive or lively," animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial.

happiness animated his conversation

When would enliven be a good substitute for animate?

Although the words enliven and animate have much in common, enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity.

enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes

In what contexts can quicken take the place of animate?

The words quicken and animate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert.

the arrival of spring quickens the earth

When is vivify a more appropriate choice than animate?

While the synonyms vivify and animate are close in meaning, vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality.

new blood needed to vivify the dying club

Examples 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 animate

Verb

The decade-old game has started to show its age, not just in visuals, but in more crucial aspects like the combat, which was tied to old character rigs (digital skeletons that give characters the ability to be animated). —

Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024 The juxtapositions are sometimes startling but always successful, animated by a sense of curiosity and play. —

Ann Abel, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Painterly passages that are thickly slathered, daubed, and swirled animate her surfaces as much as the animals do. —

Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024 There were no strict boundaries between space and time, the forces of nature or the animate and inanimate worlds. —

James L. Fitzsimmons, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for animate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate

Verb

Find it on Amazon This Wand Uses the Power of Red Light Therapy Red light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that can help to stimulate collagen production, maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024
In theory, the policy eases access to funds, stimulates economic activity and boosts demand.

Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024