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 Adobe has sought to serve creative professionals for decades — its annual Max conference draws photographers, artists, designers, video editors and more to learn about how their workflows can be quickened. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Even worse, the pace of tech industry job cuts has quickened in the Bay Area in recent months, this news organization’s review of more than 100 posts at the state EDD website shows. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal on Friday makes his second start since undergoing innovative NanoNeedle surgery on his left elbow to quicken his rehab. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 Recently, though, Disney has begun making moves — including the poaching of Zameczkowski — that suggest its pace of activity in APAC could be quickening. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for quicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quicken
  1. accelerate
  2. stimulate
  3. rush
Verb
  • The government is also working with private developers, banks and the real estate sector to accelerate temporary and permanent housing solutions.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Years of crippling sanctions have paralysed the economy as accelerating bouts of mass nationwide protests have been put down by security forces with increasing force — culminating in the killing of thousands of demonstrators in January.
    — Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of accelerate
Verb
  • The formula includes collagen-stimulating copper peptides and Matrixyl 3000 (a gentle retinol alternative) to quite-literally make the skin age in reverse.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • The process involved suctioning the newborn's airway and stimulating him.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of stimulate
Verb
  • Many real texts from family members are short, rushed and a little messy.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Forwards' explosive movements cause hamstring and knee ligament injuries, including ACL tears, with high recurrence if recovery is rushed.
    — Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 5 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on quicken

Nglish: Translation of quicken for Spanish Speakers

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