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
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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An antigen is the active ingredient in a vaccine meant to trigger an immune-system response and fight off infection.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
The benchmark has triggered frequent northern lights showings since then, though auroral activity is expected to lessen the more time passes from the cycle’s peak.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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 crash sparked a fire that destroyed the aircraft, which was operating as a skydiving flight, according to the NTSB.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
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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Swells generated by the Potential Tropical Cyclone are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the northwestern Gulf Coast for the next couple of days.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
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Stars sell the tickets, drive the story clicks and generate the most interest.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
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The pair moved to the parking lot, where several others became involved.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
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The Eastern Pacific remains a key corridor for narcotics trafficking, with criminal organizations frequently using small vessels to move drugs toward North America.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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