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
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Recent Examples of activate
Beneath the exterior beauty of the 27-centimeter-tall clock lies a bevy of complex mechanics that activate the scene on demand.
—
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
Burford’s practice window opened this week so a roster adjustment will have to be made if he’s activated before Sunday.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Finally, many detergents don't clean effectively in very cold water—you're really looking for closer to room temperature to activate those stain-removing enzymes.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
The Dodgers could have put Vesia on family bereavement leave and activated him at some point during the series.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
Burford’s practice window opened this week so a roster adjustment will have to be made if he’s activated before Sunday.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Finally, many detergents don't clean effectively in very cold water—you're really looking for closer to room temperature to activate those stain-removing enzymes.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
The Dodgers could have put Vesia on family bereavement leave and activated him at some point during the series.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
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The proteins casein and whey in dairy products may trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
21 Oct. 2025
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Homes were left without electricity, and the rains are triggering flooding and landslides along highways and roads.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After Berube mixed and matched his forwards to spark his team, Nylander finally ended up on the top line.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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The operation has sparked growing scrutiny over federal tactics.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While oil continues to drive Saudi Arabia's economy, the kingdom is now expanding into areas such as artificial intelligence, tourism and sports to diversify its growth avenues.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
28 Oct. 2025
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These extinctions were driven mostly by European agriculture and the introduction of non-native species that outcompeted Australian animals.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tech companies like Google, Amazon and OpenAI are pouring billions into nuclear start-ups like Kairos Power, X-Energy and Oklo to help power their data centers for artificial intelligence.—
Brad Plumer,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
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But the explosion of generative AI, and its massive computing needs, has turned what were once modest server farms into sprawling mega-complexes that can take up many millions of square feet, draw enough electricity to power a medium-sized city, and consume millions of gallons of water.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Newcastle are level with Everton in big chances created and, as my colleague Chris Waugh explained, have struggled with generating quality opportunities.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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The device can also generate audio alerts warning drivers if there's a dog on a customer's property.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The buttery-soft fabric is lightweight and stretchy enough to move with you while still retaining its shape over time.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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On top of that responsibility and stress, he was frustrated with the Blazers’ losing and his role moving forward.—
Jason Quick,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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