Synonyms of activate

activate

verb

ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 

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

• trigger
• spark
• drive
• power
• generate
• move
• start
• actuate
• ignite
• fuel
• set off
• provoke
• turn on
• push
• run
• charge
• crank (up)
• touch off
• fire
• stimulate
• reactivate
• launch
• switch
• energize
• electrify
• release
• turn over
• accelerate
• recharge
• arouse
• excite
• discharge
• kick over
• stir up
• incite
• trip
• catalyze
• instigate
• quicken
• vitalize
• jump-start
• step up
• kick-start
• speed (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• kill
• cut
• shut off
• cut out
• stop
• check
• turn off
• deactivate
• brake
• cut off
• stick
• halt
• arrest
• draw up
• suppress
• slow
• repress
• stall
• jam
• decelerate
• stunt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of activate

International clinical trial networks can now be activated rapidly during an emergency. — Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 10 Aug. 2026

The company activated its incident response procedures and moved to contain the intrusion. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

He had been activated from PUP only a day earlier after a lengthy recovery from a fractured fibula. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

These chemicals include Kynurenine and xanthine, which activate a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and α-Linolenic acid and stearidonic acid, two types of healthy fatty acids which activate another protein called PPAR-γ. — Baltimore Sun, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026