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 Although the playing field has changed for women leaders in the industry, Kaminetsky would like to see the pace of that change quicken. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 But the arrival of fall means the pace in Hollywood is about to quicken. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026 The media, encouraged by negotiators themselves, often reinforces this view, noting that talks are progressing, referring to their quickening pace or intensifying efforts and the anticipation of further meetings. — John R. Bolton, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026 But that was one among many highlights of Paisley’s pulse-quickening 75-minute, 19-song set. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
  1. accelerate
  2. stimulate
  3. rush
Verb
  • The car can accelerate from zero-60 in less than a second and perform feats that once belonged in science fiction.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The company says the changes are intended to make electric vehicles more affordable while accelerating development and manufacturing.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of accelerate
Verb
  • The move stimulated the private sector and accelerated the deployment of EV infrastructure, Vesser said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Issagholyan built out a 24-session plan to course-correct, involving twice weekly visits in which I would be chiropractically adjusted, my jaw cold-lasered to promote cellular regeneration and my back muscles stimulated by electrodes.
    — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulate
Verb
  • Police detained Runa at the care home and took her away before her mother, who had rushed back to the facility upon hearing the news, had a chance to see her, Yoko recalled.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Hawkins, who entered the game leading the nation with 14 rushing TDs, also had scoring runs of 2 and 36 yards.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
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 29 Oct. 2026.

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