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 moon and Mercury harmonize today, quickening the pace of communication with friends and colleagues. USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025 The pace of change has quickened in the last few months with Line Friends Square opening in April and Take 2 and Escapology opening in May. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 The Next Gen Finals has tried to quicken the pulse with a faster four-game set format, a simplified scoreboard and less dead time between points. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruits: Avoid storing next to items like onions, apples, pears, or avocados, which can quicken the ripening process. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
Verb
  • Our graduates will now re-enter the market faster, prepared to hit the ground running and accelerate their careers.
    Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
  • Starvation Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of war and there are fears of accelerating starvation.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • The bill follows advocacy efforts by TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, to stimulate interest in Congress for creating more and better professional opportunities for boxers in the U.S.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
  • But policymakers have so far avoided the mass cash handouts that the U.S. and Hong Kong gave residents to stimulate spending after the pandemic.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Many organizations rush to implement tech without considering the impact on employee workflows, morale or training needs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Neighbors quickly rushed to action, grabbing hoses and axes to help extract the plane’s passengers.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on quicken

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