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
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.
—
Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Campus officials activated a lockdown and promptly closed the university.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The police department activated its SWAT team after one of the brothers barricaded himself in the residence, Conley said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
The partnership will be activated across the global F1 calendar.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Campus officials activated a lockdown and promptly closed the university.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The police department activated its SWAT team after one of the brothers barricaded himself in the residence, Conley said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
The partnership will be activated across the global F1 calendar.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
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However, there have been some social media posts and videos celebrating his killing, while others have criticized Kirk and his beliefs, which has in turn triggered a backlash.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The space complements the retailer’s unique assortment of apparel and accessories, which for the anniversary will be further enriched by a selection of Gigli’s archival pieces, in a nod to Zambeletti’s roots and homage to the designer that sparked her fashion journey.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
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When Weimers went on to give up his remaining speaking time for a moment of silence, Vice President Katarina Barley cut him off, sparking desk-banging protests from right-wing lawmakers in the chamber.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Elsewhere, a strange new trend has started, seeing users stitch together clips of Jeremiah from various episodes into horror film-like videos, driving home the message that this is not just another cute, curly-haired college student but a malevolent Disney villain.—
Olivia Petter,
Vogue,
16 Sep. 2025
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Discover the fascinating economics driving billion-dollar industries.—
thehustle.co,
thehustle.co,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to Dongfang, the behemoth structure will be able to power 55,000 households at peak output and its central hub will stand 606 feet high—roughly twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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Some oil companies not only invest in energy efficiency for their buildings but use solar or wind to power their wells.—
Michael Oxman,
The Conversation,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Strong financial performance continued for Steak ‘n Shake into 2016 as the brand became Biglari’s cash cow, generating more than $250 million in total operational earnings and funding Biglari Holdings’ expansion into other business ventures.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
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Then the focus automatically becomes about engaging a diverse slate of talent that can evolve thinking and generate unconventional solutions.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Plants can’t move like people do, so they are exposed to the sun all day long, Fuller said.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Both offenses are moving with little resistance thus far.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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