cranked up

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.

Once Hana gets involved in her illicit money-making scheme, the narrative changes gear, tension levels are cranked up and what started out as a straightforward study of friendship turns into a fast-paced story of survival.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Nawaz dismissed Mendis, while Mishara holed out off Ayub, as the Pakistan bowlers relentlessly cranked up the pressure.

From Barron's • Nov. 29, 2025

Mitchell's arrival off the bench cranked up the tempo and a sharp inside ball from Ford sent Coles galloping deep into Pumas territory.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025

Nearly an hour later, she turned onto a rutted dirt road and cranked up the Shania Twain tune “Honey, I’m home.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

So I just cranked up a chuckle of my own, reached out and took her hand again, and headed back out to the dance floor.

From "Crash" by Jerry Spinelli