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awaken

[uh-wey-kuhn] / əˈweɪ kən /
VERB
make conscious or alert
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arouse awake excite provoke revive rouse wake
STRONG
activate animate call enliven fan incite kindle rally stimulate vivify
WEAK
pile out rise and shine roll out show a leg stir up turn out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bore calm deaden lull quiet sleep
STRONG
discourage stop
WEAK
go to sleep hypnotize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Coop’s larcenous ways awaken something in him that the straight-laced corporate life had repressed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Once traders sense blood in the water, Treasuries should awaken.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

So why, in this glum post-“Walking Dead” era, awaken our much-loved caveman from a good death to such a miserable half-life?

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

Another coach has wandered into Westwood saying he’ll awaken the Sleeping Giant.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

If he was truly the man behind this, then perhaps the sight of him would awaken the dybbuk inside of me.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Vocabulary lists containing awaken

List 2

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