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
On an earnings call last week, Pablo Paez, the GEO Group’s executive vice president for corporate relations, said the company was in talks with ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service to activate several other sites nationally, including the Cheyenne Mountain Reentry Center in Colorado Springs.
—
Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
Many haven’t activated or fully adopted AI tools, not because the tech doesn’t work, but because the organizations aren’t ready.
—Farah Ayadi, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Doors also open, ambient lighting activates, and animations on the steering wheel and screens are triggered.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2025
Camp Atterbury and McGuire-Dix are being activated for detention.
—Chris Purdy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
Many haven’t activated or fully adopted AI tools, not because the tech doesn’t work, but because the organizations aren’t ready.
—Farah Ayadi, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Doors also open, ambient lighting activates, and animations on the steering wheel and screens are triggered.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2025
Camp Atterbury and McGuire-Dix are being activated for detention.
—Chris Purdy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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The series was triggered by a series of online images which motivated Krecké’s six year mission to research obsessively and merge digital sleuthing with emotional introspection to understand the personal and collective trauma behind the destruction wreaked through war.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Scientists hope these conditions could trigger DNA changes that make the plants more resilient back on Earth.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The brawl has sparked a broader conversation about crime and safety in Cincinnati.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
14 Aug. 2025
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His previous early release from prison has sparked criticism following his arrest Aug. 8. Court records show why Langford was granted shock probation in 2024.—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Furthermore, with climate change driving record‑breaking heat waves and increasingly erratic weather, the industry faces a critical question: Can live music become climate‑conscious without losing its magic?—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Lastly, in May 2024, Tamura was pulled over for driving a car with no license plate.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Redemption has been a key element in powering his road back to Manchester City via Accrington, Bolton and Burnley over the past four years.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
9 Aug. 2025
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The Endgame: Walled Gardens With Super Agents No retailer or marketplace wants its data powering a rival’s AI agent.—
Jason Goldberg,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
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With the help of active aerodynamics, the Evija can generate 3,307 pounds of downforce at top speed.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
6 Aug. 2025
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Grok generates fake Taylor Swift nudes without being asked 3.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Mederos had been more over the top, but the Angels moved his arm down about 10 degrees.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
14 Aug. 2025
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If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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