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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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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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
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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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Backup catcher Sebastián Rivero sparked the Angels’ second-inning rally with a one-out single.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
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The video and the SCE data offer proof that the 100-year-old line, which hadn’t been used since the early 1970s, became re-electrified and sparked the fire that killed 19 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena and surrounding areas, attorneys say.—
Tony Saavedra,
Daily News,
10 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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Carolina generated a ton of shots from around the Vegas net and scored all four of its goals from right in front.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
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This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
10 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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If the caffeine has already moved further along, doctors may use a laxative or a gastric lavage a procedure that uses a tube to wash out the contents of the stomach.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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