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 People respond positively to hearing their own names—according to a study from the Institute for the Study of Child Development, hearing one’s name activates the left hemisphere of the brain. — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 7 July 2026 Honest sharing rises as the dynamic Sun activates your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, making clarity around money, time, and emotional investment more valuable. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026 Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 7 July 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
  • By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of trigger
Verb
  • Whereas the federal incentive may have been enough to spark interest in a range of buyers, Moody said the lesser amount will probably appeal mainly to people who already have their eye on an EV.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • And a red card against an American soccer star sparks debate.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of spark
Verb
  • Feedback will help guide future improvements for people who walk, bike, use transit and drive through the corridor.
    — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
  • When her husband, financier John Molner, returned home from the gym, the two drove to the campus of the Aspen Institute, where Couric was excited to hit the hot dog stand for lunch.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026
Definition of drive
Verb
  • Housed in a 39mm yellow gold case, each watch is powered by Corum’s CO082 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The connection with Quinones continues to power the Mexican attack.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • This horoscope was generated automatically using information from Sanctuary.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • This year’s celebration comes on the heels of a late June warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that released extraordinary amounts of soot and smoke across the county, on par with pollution generated by the previous year’s wildfires.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of generate
Verb
  • To keep up with the fast-moving aerial acts, the app features an adjustable countdown timer set to the official schedule.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
  • If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on activate

Nglish: Translation of activate for Spanish Speakers

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