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 building’s fire alarm had been activated, according to court documents. — Kansas City Star, 14 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, 14 July 2026 Once activated, the software runs locally on your computer, so there are no recurring payments or renewal reminders. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026 The train’s emergency brake was activated, and none of the 43 passengers were injured, according to police. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 13 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
  • When a massive Sonoma Coast residential development pitch sparked fears that beach access would be lost.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Going forward, the Breakaway/Build model might spark more giving from foundations and corporations and others that are looking to give in simple, practical ways.
    — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Definition of spark
Verb
  • The latest in Houston Salgado Araujo, 52, was driving to work with three other construction crew members when unmarked vehicles carrying federal agents began following his van, his family said.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • When Fumi takes a job at Rin’s clinic planning to expose its darker side, their standoff drives the series, with the story more interested in what pushes people toward transformation than in the surgeries themselves.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 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
  • Mahomes generated a pretty big cheer in the stadium when he was shown on the Jumbotron.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Hackman Capital’s plan to recoup its investment included continuing to operate Television City as a studio for rent while adding new revenue-generating features.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of generate
Verb
  • He also was recently retained by the family of a Mississippi 1-year-old who was killed when police fired into a moving car.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on activate

Nglish: Translation of activate for Spanish Speakers

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