as in to trigger
to cause to function
the thermostat is set to activate the heating system only when the temperature drops below 65 degrees
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of activate
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2025
The Rangers have been decimated by injuries this season, but got some good news on Friday with Tyler Mahle being activated from the injury list for the first time since June and making his first start.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2025
Rotz added that he was being activated from the Navy Reserves to Active Duty for a while and would likely be deployed overseas when this article was published.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent research using brain imaging has revealed that handwriting activates a broader network of the brain—including areas associated with memory, motor control, and language—than typing does.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2025
The Rangers have been decimated by injuries this season, but got some good news on Friday with Tyler Mahle being activated from the injury list for the first time since June and making his first start.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2025
Rotz added that he was being activated from the Navy Reserves to Active Duty for a while and would likely be deployed overseas when this article was published.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent research using brain imaging has revealed that handwriting activates a broader network of the brain—including areas associated with memory, motor control, and language—than typing does.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
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However, there have been some social media posts and videos celebrating his killing, while others have criticized Kirk and his beliefs, which has in turn triggered a backlash.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The score remained that way until the eighth when Ramírez sparked a two-out rally with a double.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
20 Sep. 2025
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The chance encounter sparks difficult political and moral conversations between the young lovers, a debate that ends up affecting the entire community.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Hernandez Santana then drove to the front of the station and fired three shots into the building’s lobby, prosecutors said.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
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Then the group would load the vehicles with drugs and drive them across the border.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to Dongfang, the behemoth structure will be able to power 55,000 households at peak output and its central hub will stand 606 feet high—roughly twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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Some oil companies not only invest in energy efficiency for their buildings but use solar or wind to power their wells.—
Michael Oxman,
The Conversation,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Strong financial performance continued for Steak ‘n Shake into 2016 as the brand became Biglari’s cash cow, generating more than $250 million in total operational earnings and funding Biglari Holdings’ expansion into other business ventures.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
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Then the focus automatically becomes about engaging a diverse slate of talent that can evolve thinking and generate unconventional solutions.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sacramento State, which was denied in a bid to move up to FBS over the summer, came back from an early deficit to beat Mercyhurst, with Damian Henderson II running for 98 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
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Trump has a long history of moving from one tactic to another, like an ape branching between trees.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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