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
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026
Today Mars changes signs, activating your desire to travel, as well as explore opportunities in medicine, the law, higher education and publishing.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Shortly after Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters inside the visitors’ dugout at loanDepot Park that the star outfielder was day-to-day, the club activated Acuña on Monday about 60 minutes before first pitch between the Marlins and Braves.
—Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 18 May 2026
As part of the launch, Wrangler eyewear line will activate at events like national rodeo competitions, Miss Rodeo America, and more immersive pop-up events.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026
Today Mars changes signs, activating your desire to travel, as well as explore opportunities in medicine, the law, higher education and publishing.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Shortly after Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters inside the visitors’ dugout at loanDepot Park that the star outfielder was day-to-day, the club activated Acuña on Monday about 60 minutes before first pitch between the Marlins and Braves.
—Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 18 May 2026
As part of the launch, Wrangler eyewear line will activate at events like national rodeo competitions, Miss Rodeo America, and more immersive pop-up events.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
-
The incident triggered a fire alarm, obliging the entire French delegation — some of whom were still in their pyjamas — to evacuate the building.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Prosecutors argue Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin were part of rival groups that challenged each other, while defense attorneys contend the shooting was self-defense triggered by Sergio Harris.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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His goal sparked wild celebrations inside St Mary’s, none more so than in the press box, where Southampton’s analysts, doing the opposite of keeping a low profile amid the allegations levelled at the club, were enthusiastically bouncing around.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
No Mow May sparks conversations about bee conservation.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2026
Verb
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The work is freelance and deadline-driven, with no salary, benefits, or job security.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
Neto drove a 2-0 sinker 413 feet to center field, stunning Ginn and the A’s while ending a six-game losing streak for the Angels.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Instead of building multi-billion-dollar pipelines to move hydrogen across the country, mining companies could theoretically tap the rock beneath their own boots to power their operations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
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The National Coal Council, which had been abolished under President Joe Biden, advances coal’s interests as a national security issue to power the data center revolution.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
The blazes generate a complex cocktail of compounds, including ground-level ozone, one of the main ingredients in smog.—
Joanna Thompson,
Space.com,
12 May 2026
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Its pitch to college partners centers on three different potential avenues for generating revenue—the sale of DBGI stock issued under deals, millions in influencer marketing campaigns spent on individual college athletes and a cut of apparel sales via each school’s standard licensing agreements.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The campaign now moves forward with voters weighing sharply different visions for California’s future as the primary draws closer.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
The Raiders had their worst season since moving to Las Vegas last year.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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