animate 1 of 2

animate

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

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

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 animate
Verb
As a result, there has never been a better moment to understand the ideas that animate these leaders’ particular vision of the future. John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025 But what would the movie be without its Stitch, animated to adorably fluffy effect in this more realistic rendering? EW.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
Photo : Paul Barnaby Robert Longo photographs animate the entry foyer. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2024 Toward the end, the story begins to shift perspective, first from Gabriel to his friend June, then to Thornton, and finally to the animate natural world around them. Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
  • Just like weight-bearing exercises, the vibrations stimulate osteocytes, which send signals to the two other types of bone cells–osteoblasts and osteoclasts–to create new bone matter and recycle the old.
    Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • The electrode stimulates the nerve, opening the airway by moving the tongue forward.1 Hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgery can effectively resolve snoring for some.
    Sukaina Hasnie, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, an animated Predator movie called Predator: Killer of Killers is coming to Hulu this summer.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 June 2025
  • Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Thus began a lively rivalry with Lee, who quickly learned Clemens possesses a killer serve.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • In lieu of bunking in the 4,000-square-foot Lord House, built in 1962 just off of Mulholland Drive, rent it out by the hour and host a lively pool party.
    Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Of the 255 hostages seized by Hamas on October 7, 2023, 58 still remain, of whom 20 are believed to be still alive.
    Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
  • But the shadows remain—corruption is still alive, and Sara, and Teresa take on their roles as guardians of a world that offers them no protection.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Host Jennifer Lopez opened the show with an energetic dance number to a medley that included a mashup of songs by Beyoncé, Eilish, Shaboozey, Chappell Roan and more.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • Rod Stewart, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, closed out the evening with an energetic performance.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Since the show's conclusion, Zoe has remained active in the fashion and lifestyle space, in part through her newsletter The Zoe Report, which launched in 2009.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Action step: Practice active listening during meetings.
    Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!