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activate

verb

ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
Definition of activatenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of activate This requirement will roll out broadly next year, but it’s being activated in a few markets in the coming weeks. — ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026 The approaching Harvest Moon is activating your sector of productivity, routines and health. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026 Limited by injuries to 16 appearances in his first season with the Dodgers, he was activated Friday and threw 17 pitches in the ninth, giving up a single and striking out two. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 No bulky bottles, no leaky pumps – Hand Pop's press-to-activate wipes unfold to a generous 10 inches wide for a larger cleaning surface, delivering an alcohol-free, skin-friendly cleanse that fits in a gym bag, purse, pocket or luggage. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
  1. trigger
  2. spark
  3. drive
  4. power
  5. generate
  6. move
Verb
  • Russian hybrid attacks are different from a traditional armed attack, but the alliance could theoretically trigger the collective defense clause in those cases.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The cortex is where the slow rhythms of deep sleep can be seen, but researchers assumed the signals that triggered them originated elsewhere.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of trigger
Verb
  • Meta Platforms' launch of its Muse AI agent app and Nebius's move to raise rental rates on AI computing access seemed to spark the buying spurt in related AI stocks.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The partnership has sparked outrage and calls for boycotts from some fans, who view the deal as conflicting with the team's past progressive actions.
    — Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of spark
Verb
  • Its onboard offerings, wide array of itineraries and shore excursions—particularly those that are food and wine-driven—easily combine education, adventure, and good fun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The real Johnny Drama stayed at your house for months, and one of the others drove your kids to school.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of drive
Verb
  • Allen threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores to power the Bills to a 41-31 victory.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That clean, green energy is then used to power two 15 kW electric motors and the hotel load, enabling true off-grid living.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • Let the machines do what’s mechanical—generating practice problems, flagging errors, grading the responses that are beyond discussion.
    — Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Both teams struggled at times to generate consistency with their passing attacks.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of generate
Verb
  • The helicopter moves quickly away from the bus crash site and starts losing altitude.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Duarte’s writing features detailed prose and a moving storyline, encompassing grief, healing, and the losses borne by a Latinx family in the name of American patriotism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of move

Browse Nearby Words

actions
activate
activated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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