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
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Recent Examples of activate
Jasson Domínguez, in the midst of a rehab assignment for an AC joint sprain, was activated in a corresponding move.
—
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
That drug activates the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, producing dramatic weight loss.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Even the grass got some fresh water as the grounds crew activated the sprinklers.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Afterward, an objective appeared on the screen that tasked me with finding a way to activate the mysterious machine in my basement.
—Jacqueline Goldblatt, PC Magazine, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
That drug activates the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, producing dramatic weight loss.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Even the grass got some fresh water as the grounds crew activated the sprinklers.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Afterward, an objective appeared on the screen that tasked me with finding a way to activate the mysterious machine in my basement.
—Jacqueline Goldblatt, PC Magazine, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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Mbappe’s attempt to close down the ball triggers a positional chain reaction that pulls Madrid to one side of the pitch, as Vinicius Jr, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham all move towards the man in possession.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
10 Dec. 2025
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The clash appears to have been triggered by a dispute over kidnappings, which have been surging in recent months, and has led to the ouster of Kempes Sanon, a powerful gang leader and former police officer.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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For the first time since joining international competition, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, marking a milestone achievement for the nation's soccer program and sparking celebrations among Jordanians around the world.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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The day shift also starts making factory-work jokes, with Rekha playing a perky do-bee who just wants to make the boss happy, and Lily adopting an agitator role, demanding workman’s comp and trying to spark revolt.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
Verb
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In other words, the current combination of US political tensions and global conflicts are driving more US nationals to seek new options overseas.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Naturally, Ohtani also singled, doubled, walked and drove in two runs in that game.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The company also does not have to notify the TCEQ if electricity will be used to power a data center.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
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That number is bigger than New York’s Central Park, and the sheer expected electricity generation could power more than half of New Mexico.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Last year, a coalition of park advocates announced plans to gather signatures for a sales tax hike that would generate $320 million annually for the parks department.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
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Iraq has still kept up the pressure and is managing to generate chances even with the lack of ball control.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Weather service meteorologist Frank Pereira said the system that produced the storms, including high winds and hail, was moving eastward Thursday, fueled by cool air from Canada clashing with warm, humid air from the South.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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Towards the end of Thursday night’s episode, voice-over narrator Iain Stirling revealed that because the app crashed, the recoupling was moved to Friday night, hopefully giving the first Aftersun episode plenty to discuss.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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