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
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
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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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Perhaps the shocking recent news of Alex Murdaugh’s convictions being overturned will spark voter interest in the Hulu true-crime miniseries.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
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The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency as a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa sparks concern that the deadly virus could spread beyond the region — including into the United States.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
That film generated some moody power before collapsing into a pile of surrealist-horror shards.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
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The massive dataset generated by the platform allows retailers and brands to forecast demand, optimize product assortments and analyze physical consumer behavior in ways that were previously only possible through online shopping metrics.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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 21 May. 2026.
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