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
Faced with this challenge, a healthy cell will use its chemical energy to activate pumps to push sodium back out and restore its normal voltage.
—
Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
The Patriots could potentially fill that spot by activating cornerback Alex Austin or running back Terrell Jennings from injured reserve.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Speeding violation - Officer drove 88 mph in a 35-mph zone with no lights or siren activated.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
Engine 1-3 was parked on Jackson Road, with emergency lights activated, while the crews were checking on those involved in the initial crash.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
The Patriots could potentially fill that spot by activating cornerback Alex Austin or running back Terrell Jennings from injured reserve.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Speeding violation - Officer drove 88 mph in a 35-mph zone with no lights or siren activated.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
Engine 1-3 was parked on Jackson Road, with emergency lights activated, while the crews were checking on those involved in the initial crash.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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She was released and showed back up over an hour later, triggering another scuffle.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Jan. 2026
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Routine recommendations trigger automatic prompts in medical records and enable nurses to vaccinate under standing orders.—
Jake Scott,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tensions with Iran have reached among its highest points since the 1979 Islamic Revolution as casualties continue to mount from anti-government protests sparked by economic collapse.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Jan. 2026
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There’s also a Qatari jet, which was gifted to Trump last year, that is undergoing modifications to be used as Air Force One, sparking legal, ethical and security concerns.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That calculus reflects a broader shift in tennis sponsorships, as the balance of power moves toward smaller brands willing to invest in product, personalization, and year-round storytelling — and away from legacy deals driven primarily by logo visibility.—
Jessica Schiffer,
Vogue,
14 Jan. 2026
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Emilio’s father then drove around the area to find his son, but was unsuccessful, per the database.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Walmart’s 400 kW chargers can power two EVs at once.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
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Lucid Group, Nuro, and Uber have unveiled the production-intent robotaxi that will power their upcoming global autonomous ride-hailing service.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
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During his time addressing members of the media Tuesday, UALR Coach Chris Curry discussed the momentum last season's success has generated and how the program has seen a heightened level of attention heading into the season.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Sun Belt Conference preemptively shook up its women’s basketball schedule, moving around the start times on several games from Thursday through Saturday.—
John Raby,
Twin Cities,
23 Jan. 2026
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Ukraine has also been frustrated by political disagreements within Europe over how to deal with Russia, as well as the bloc's at times slow-moving responses.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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