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activate

verb

ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
Definition of activatenext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of activate The self-adhesive band is activated by body heat for a secure hold, so just press and go! — Amanda Le, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026 Redeeming the code within 30 days of purchase locks it permanently to the IsThisSpam account used to activate it. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2026 Reduce screen brightness and activate warmer display settings. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 In addition to price, users on Chinese social media also expressed concerns about the Duo's lack of a physical SIM-card slot, which may require mainland users to visit a carrier store for ID verification to activate an eSIM. — Evelyn Cheng,matthew Tan, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
  1. trigger
  2. spark
  3. drive
  4. power
  5. generate
  6. move
Verb
  • Russian hybrid attacks are different from a traditional armed attack, but the alliance could theoretically trigger the collective defense clause in those cases.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The cortex is where the slow rhythms of deep sleep can be seen, but researchers assumed the signals that triggered them originated elsewhere.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of trigger
Verb
  • That debate sparked angry exchanges among different justices, which led Justice Flávio Dino to ask for the review that led to postponing the decision.
    — MAURICIO SAVARESE, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Her love of travel has been a lifelong passion but was undeniably sparked by a spontaneous solo trip to London her junior year of college.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of spark
Verb
  • Maybe real New Yorkers do drive, because this is some serious New York behavior.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Yet the deepest human transformations operate on a different layer of architecture—driven by adaptive, systemic processes that our analytical minds can’t fully dictate.
    — Patrick Murphy, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of drive
Verb
  • Allen threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores to power the Bills to a 41-31 victory.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That clean, green energy is then used to power two 15 kW electric motors and the hotel load, enabling true off-grid living.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • The interplay between players and their coaches often generates some of the most dramatic viewing moments of a tennis match.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Fading fall savings Virtuoso is seeing a 59% increase in fall 2026 bookings over last year, with the amount of money generated off fall bookings up 69%.
    — Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of generate
Verb
  • The helicopter moves quickly away from the bus crash site and starts losing altitude.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Duarte’s writing features detailed prose and a moving storyline, encompassing grief, healing, and the losses borne by a Latinx family in the name of American patriotism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of move

Browse Nearby Words

actions
activate
activated
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Cite this Entry

“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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