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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
as in breathing
having or showing life
had a dream about a sandwich that becomes animate
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of animate
Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Some contemporary nationalisms, such as those in India, Russia, and Turkey, are animated by memories of territorial loss, while others have an uncompromising sense of the permanence and security of their borders.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2024
The same themes animate Cusk’s nonfiction from this period.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 28 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for animate
Verb
Delivering the longest address to Congress in modern presidential history, Trump reprised many of the themes that animated his campaign for president and spent little time unveiling new policies, as presidents traditionally have done on these occasions.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Some contemporary nationalisms, such as those in India, Russia, and Turkey, are animated by memories of territorial loss, while others have an uncompromising sense of the permanence and security of their borders.
—Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Does Humanity weep at these painful separations from everything, animate and inanimate, with which the young heart has become entwined?
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 27 Sep. 2024
The same themes animate Cusk’s nonfiction from this period.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 28 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
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The jokey, gleefully profane lyrics are stimulating in the moment but then quickly forgotten, like novelty songs in a clever college cabaret.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2025
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Such a device could perhaps stimulate different parts of the tongue to, say, determine if the brain was processing sensory signals properly.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2025
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The Oscar nominee walked the runway with dramatic, out-to-there lashes that would feel right at home on an animated heroine or villain.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Stripes Everywhere Stripes are having a major design moment, proving that the lively pattern is timeless, versatile, and effortlessly chic.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Mar. 2025
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The High Kings and Mary Black Palmer Auditorium, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy., New London A full evening of Irish music with vocalist Mary Black, lively traditional Irish band The High Kings plus Róisín O is being presented by The Kate but held at Connecticut College’s Palmer Auditorium.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Since the agreement took effect, Hamas has released 25 hostages who are still alive and the bodies of four other captives, including two young boys, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and their mother, Shiri.—
Michael Collins,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
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Phase 2 talks are meant to negotiate an end to the war, including the return of all remaining hostages in Gaza who are alive, and the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from the territory.—
Mohammad Jahjouh,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The incubator’s space at the Mart quickly became an energetic locus for tech startups in Chicago and, just as importantly, gave the city’s nascent tech community a brand that was recognizable to Chicagoans outside the startup orbit as well as to funders and entrepreneurs in other cities.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Amaury is a bright, happy, and energetic boy in search of a family.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Assist/little Lake Fire has burned four acres of private land after being active for seven hours.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacramento Bee,
2 Mar. 2025
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Currently, there are 40 active tribes that participate in parades and events during Mardi Gras, Super Sundays and St. Joseph’s Day.—
Martie Bowser,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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