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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of animate
Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
Standing on an elevated platform, my father held his pipe in one hand and raised his other arm to wave at the crowd, a determined and optimistic smile animating his face.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
Political violence in the late summer and early fall, along with a government shutdown that began Oct. 1 also appeared to animate voters in the final days of the campaign.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for animate
Verb
That bit of the story that once possessed you and once tried animating a dead book can become the spine of a living one.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
Standing on an elevated platform, my father held his pipe in one hand and raised his other arm to wave at the crowd, a determined and optimistic smile animating his face.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
From lanterns several stories tall and hundreds of feet long to interactive exhibits that animate and breathe fire (in the form of smoke, Lewis clarifies), the festival evokes a deep sense of awe.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
Political violence in the late summer and early fall, along with a government shutdown that began Oct. 1 also appeared to animate voters in the final days of the campaign.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for animate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animate
Verb
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The Icon Park attraction will limit capacity, dim lighting, lower the music and disable stimulating exhibits.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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Katzenback recommends four sets of five repetitions with heavy weights to stimulate bone growth.—
Hadia Zainab,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Google suggests using the AI tools in Vids to create animated party flyers, business sizzle reels, or a video greeting card.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 Apr. 2026
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The popularity of the cards led to the creation of a toy line, which then spurred animated TV specials and, eventually, a TV series.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Participants are able to create a schedule for themselves that supports more solo contemplative space or lively group experiences.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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South Elgin’s protest was just as lively.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Whether biennials or museum shows, exhibitions are spaces for learning about images, the world, and the pains and delights of being alive.—
Raphael Fonseca,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Kelley, one of the most prolific TV creators alive, has produced multiple series with Apple TV.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Those two youngsters happen to be a happily engaged, and happily naive, couple, and the series plays out exploring the dynamics between the two relationships, one young, loving and energetic, the other old, tired and toxic.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
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To support the flight, there has been a sharpening of space weather forecasting skills — an ability to better gauge the sun's activity and to help assure crew safety if a hazardous uptick in solar action rears its energetic head.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Neither has served in an active military capacity during the current conflict.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Consider setting aside grandiose ambitions for the moment and taking a break to do something active with your hands.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Animate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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