ANIMATE Synonyms: 268 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

animate 1 of 2

verb

ˈa-nə-ˌmāt

Definition of animate

as in to stimulate

to give life, vigor, or spirit to Mr. Clark animates history for his sixth graders by frequently showing up for class dressed like some famous historical figure

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

animate

2 of 2

adjective

ˈa-nə-mət

as in animated

having much high-spirited energy and movement an animate dance routine that will really get the blood pumping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in breathing

having or showing life had a dream about a sandwich that becomes animate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The standout of the group was Ningning, who executed the dance on a high level while animating her face. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 For some participants, the robot was animated, using gestures, eye contact and nods. — Yigit Topoglu, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The experiences that animate human writing exist outside of AI’s ken, no matter how vast its training data. — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026 The self is made of memories but can also shape them — an animate sculpture able to rework its own clay. — Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for animate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate

Verb

My grandparents have found that compression socks help relieve some of the discomfort and swelling that comes from prolonged restricted movement by stimulating circulation in your legs.

— Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
Some observers expect the BOJ to raise interest rates over the coming months, but such a move could work against efforts to stimulate the economy.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Adjective

Bautista has several other movies coming up, Alpha Gang, which premieres at the Toronto Film Festival; the animated Ally; and Highlander.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Although animated sequels have majorly rebounded at the box office, original fare remains challenged.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026

Definition of animated

Adjective

The battle sequences in this finale are awful, elaborate, and grotesque, especially Ormund using children as human shields and Daemon burning them alive.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
But Sabalenka converted a spinny kick second-serve ace, keeping her faint hopes alive.

— Lukas Weese, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of alive

Adjective

The energetic gameplay and short rounds make Dutch Blitz easy to play with your family over and over again, without getting bored.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
Maurice’s brother Verdine joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1970, contributing to its distinctive sound with his energetic performances and innovative bass lines.

— Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of energetic

Adjective

Spending time with friends and enjoying activities like golf, fishing, or attending sporting events encourages connection and supports an active lifestyle.

— Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
Their active roster is predominantly right-handed, which clogs up some of the lineup decisions for Roberts.

— Katie Woo, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of active

Cite this Entry

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“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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