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crank Synonyms

Another word for crank

Choosing another word for crank depends on context, so the 35 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A part of an axle or shaft bent out at right angles, used for converting reciprocal motion into circular motion or vice versa.

Usage Example

"He vigorously turned the handle to draw the heavy bucket of water up from the bottom of the well."

Strong
handle
lever
windlass
winch

• verb (Context 2)

To turn a handle or lever in order to start or operate a machine or engine.

Usage Example

"Before the invention of the electric starter, drivers had to physically turn their car engines to get them running."

Strong
turn
wind
turn over
start
fire up

• verb (Context 3)

To increase the volume, speed, or intensity of something (typically used with 'up').

Usage Example

"As the final act took the stage, the sound engineer decided to crank up the bass so the audience could feel the rhythm."

Strongest
crank up
turn up
amp up
Strong
pump up
boost
increase
raise
intensify
amplify

• noun (Context 4)

An eccentric person, especially one who is overly obsessed by a particular subject or theory, or an ill-tempered individual.

Usage Example

"The local newspaper receives dozens of letters every week from cranks complaining about the town's minor traffic ordinances."

Strongest
crackpot
eccentric
Strong
nut
kook
oddball
grouch
grump
weirdo
curmudgeon
fanatic

• noun (Context 5)

An illicit stimulant drug, specifically methamphetamine in powder form.

Usage Example

"The police task force uncovered a clandestine laboratory manufacturing methamphetamine in the basement of the abandoned warehouse."

Strongest
methamphetamine
meth
speed
crystal meth
Strong
ice
glass
uppers

Opposites of crank

The opposite of crank shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

turn down
dial back
lower
shut off
decrease
reduce
stop
conformist
See all opposites of crank

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Crank. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/crank
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