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 Yet, leaders have an obligation to their teams, businesses and stakeholders to quicken their pace regarding AI. Robert Logemann, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 One indisputable result of the quickening pace of innovation is the increasing amount of global economic activity that revolves around engaging consumers in some form of media — whether a TV show or a TikTok feed or a live virtual concert staged within a Fortnite video game. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 26 Nov. 2024 According to Newsweek, since 1970 the NFL has scheduled 30 games on Christmas but the number of games on the holiday has quickened. Brad Adgate, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 However, after concerns over her injuries grew, the rescue process was quickened and the caver was moved through 4km of narrow tunnels. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • If Ukraine and the U.S. reach an understanding acceptable to Trump, that could accelerate his administration’s push to peace talks.
    Matthew Lee and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Its development as as rival to X accelerated after Musk bought the app in 2022.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These viral particles continue to multiply or stimulate the immune system in ways that trigger long Covid symptoms.
    Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • On the positive side, home prices often stagnate or decline as demand slows, and the Federal Reserve may lower interest rates to stimulate the economy, making borrowing cheaper.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Let Go of the Finish Line Intensity doesn’t mean rushing to orgasm.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
  • But the Indiana transfer played in just two games, picking up 13 rushing yards and 3 catches for 39 yards before the injury.
    Bob Ferrante, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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