quicken

verb

ˈkwi-kən How to pronounce quicken (audio)
Definition of quickennext
1
as in to accelerate
to cause to move or proceed fast or faster she eventually quickened her pace so she could keep up with the others

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stimulate
to give life, vigor, or spirit to the news that we'd head to Florida for Christmas quickened the children, who instantly began jumping for joy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Looking south, in Israel on Tuesday, inflation, already above the official target of 1% to 3%, is expected to quicken further as the country engages in a multi-front conflict. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2024 In Biden’s last months, the pace of transfers quickened. —Lisa Hajjar, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
  1. accelerate
  2. stimulate
  3. rush
Verb
  • The improved coding and long-context capabilities could accelerate software development cycles, enabling developers to tackle more complex problems, analyze legacy code more effectively, or generate code documentation and tests more efficiently.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The blaze accelerated quickly because of the Molotov cocktails, Enterline said.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of accelerate
Verb
  • The importance of daylight The infrared light found in daylight can modulate inflammation, stimulate collagen production, prevent neurodegeneration, and even optimize mitochondria, which produce energy inside our cells.
    — Ana Morales, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Greece started its golden visa program in 2013 to stabilize housing prices and stimulate growth in a country facing a recession, skyrocketing unemployment, and austerity measures imposed by international lenders.
    — Meehika Barua, HubSpot, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of stimulate
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
  • The Trump administration's massive tariffs on China have Apple flying planes full of iPhones to the U.S. and consumers rushing to buy them before the prices potentially skyrocket.
    — Angrej Singh, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of rush

Browse Nearby Words

quick
quicken
quickened
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Cite this Entry

“Quicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quicken. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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