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 He was activated at the end of the season, and got into games against the Commanders and Giants on special teams. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 Our strategy at WildBrain is centerd on building long-term value by activating IP on a global scale. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 The Atlanta Braves also activated a deal with Kalshi without a formal announcement around the start of August that went unnoticed by news media. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Daniel Graves, from consulting firm Kimley-Horn, expressed optimism about the chances for timely approval from IDOT, particularly the pedestrian activated crossing signal. — Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 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
  • The executions, announced Sunday, triggered condemnations by rights groups in the North African country that is divided between rival administrations, each backed by a set of militias and foreign governments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The article suggests a one-time California levy is unlikely to trigger a billionaire stampede.
    — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of trigger
Verb
  • In the episode that sparked the backlash, Piker claimed that pro-Israel Jewish leaders conflate Jewish identity with support for Israel, and cause anger at Israel to fuel antisemitism and endanger American Jews.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation was sparked after the West Side safety net hospital came under fire for improperly doling out COVID-19 vaccinations soon after the shots became available.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of spark
Verb
  • As such, this is meant to be a workhorse that's also enjoyable to drive.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The song has a driving bass line and would be interesting to perform with a live band.
    — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of drive
Verb
  • Amazon will directly fund total costs to power its data centers and will bring 2,600 megawatts of new generation and 400 megawatts of battery storage to the grid.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Built to power the generative artificial intelligence boom and cryptocurrency frenzy, these industrial developments can use as much energy as some cities and consume millions of gallons of fresh water daily.
    — Jorge Aguilar, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • More than 120,000 microdramas were released in the first three months of this year — with 95% of those generated by AI, according to Chinese state media.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Few residential developments in London have generated as much anticipation—or undergone such a vivid transformation—as Chelsea Barracks.
    — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of generate
Verb
  • The Moon in Pisces moves through your 6th House of Work, Health, and Daily Routines while making an awkward angle to Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Acceptance moves you out of frustration and into a place of proactivity.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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