conjure up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Invent as if by magic
Why “up”? A new thing appears or is made.
“He conjured up an excuse on the spot.”
“She conjured up a quick plan for the trip.”
Test yourself
“He conjured up an excuse on the spot.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
build up
Same up pattern: making
Gradually increase in amount, strength or intensity; Develop or strengthen something over time; Make someone or something seem more important or impressive than they are; Encourage or strengthen someone emotionally; Create momentum towards a moment or event
cook up
Same up pattern: making
Devise (often something dubious)
draw up
Same up pattern: making
Compose or formulate
dream up
Same up pattern: making
Invent imaginatively
make up
Same up pattern: making
Invent or fabricate
mix up
Same up pattern: making
Combine ingredients into something new
note up
Same up pattern: making
Write detailed notes on a text, often in the margins
open up
Same up pattern: making
Become willing to talk about feelings; Make new opportunities or possibilities available; Begin business or operation in a new place; Increase a lead or gap over a competitor; Open a building or container so something can be accessed
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