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, 24 May 2026
Residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles, remove valuables from plain view, activate exterior lighting and security cameras when available, and report suspicious activity immediately.
—Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 24 May 2026
The Moon in Virgo activates your 11th House of Friends, while Mercury in Gemini presses on your 8th House of Shared Resources.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
The strength of the effect can be adjusted to suit the user's needs too, and it can also be set to activate only for specific apps or when a password is entered.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 May 2026
Residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles, remove valuables from plain view, activate exterior lighting and security cameras when available, and report suspicious activity immediately.
—Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 24 May 2026
The Moon in Virgo activates your 11th House of Friends, while Mercury in Gemini presses on your 8th House of Shared Resources.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
The strength of the effect can be adjusted to suit the user's needs too, and it can also be set to activate only for specific apps or when a password is entered.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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Depending on direct or indirect exposure by private creditors and special purpose vehicles to public banks, this may wipe out investors and trigger a broader recession.—
Rakesh Kumar,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
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This typically gets worse over time and is often accompanied by a harsh goose-honking cough triggered by excitement or exercise.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Verb
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The killing sparked global unrest and the largest civil rights protest since the 1960s.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
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The big-box retailer known for affordable style has returned to its roots, sparking a turnaround after a multiyear slump.—
Joel Mathis,
TheWeek,
26 May 2026
Verb
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The company says its selection approach is driven by performance data, with every title required to show active audience traction rather than simply occupying catalog space.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 May 2026
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The listing agent for Schottenheimer’s soon-to-be former home said proximity to work ultimately drove the NFL coach’s decision to move.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
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Such semiconductors are used to power the most sophisticated AI technologies.—
Bloomberg,
Fortune,
25 May 2026
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And, most importantly, they’re outfitted with motors that can power them to speeds exceeding 30 mph.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
24 May 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,
27 May 2026
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This setup allows small and medium-sized e-commerce operators, along with direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, to generate marketing materials and publish them straight to Google Ads.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
Verb
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Make sure the belt doesn't move, push your knees out into the belt, and hold.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
29 May 2026
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Nippon Dynawave was cited for moving equipment involved before it could be inspected, but not for the incident itself, the news outlet reported.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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