as in energizing
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in triggering
to cause to function
the thermostat is set to activate the heating system only when the temperature drops below 65 degrees
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 activating
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
This is especially significant to consider early in the year when Saturn and Neptune join forces in Aries, activating a part of your chart that governs intimacy, trust and emotional merging.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
By the weekend, the Libra Moon draws you inward, activating emotional intimacy and healing.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 4 Jan. 2026
This full moon can also significantly affect Aries, activating pressure around direction, leadership and decisions.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
Multiple experts told Flow Space that challenging the mind keeps cognition sharp by training and activating problem solving skills, memory, visual perception and reasoning.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Jan. 2026
The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Using optogenetics, a technique that enables scientists to manipulate neural activity with light-sensitive proteins, the researchers found that activating oxytocin-responsive neurons encouraged rescue behavior even among unfamiliar mice.
—Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025
Engaging in conversations about race requires activating System 2—the slower, more intentional way of thinking—to disrupt those patterns and build deeper awareness.
—Ashley B. Stewart, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
There was also the possibility of the Panthers activating interior offensive lineman Chandler Zavala ahead of Saturday’s game.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
This is especially significant to consider early in the year when Saturn and Neptune join forces in Aries, activating a part of your chart that governs intimacy, trust and emotional merging.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
By the weekend, the Libra Moon draws you inward, activating emotional intimacy and healing.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 4 Jan. 2026
This full moon can also significantly affect Aries, activating pressure around direction, leadership and decisions.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
Multiple experts told Flow Space that challenging the mind keeps cognition sharp by training and activating problem solving skills, memory, visual perception and reasoning.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Jan. 2026
The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Using optogenetics, a technique that enables scientists to manipulate neural activity with light-sensitive proteins, the researchers found that activating oxytocin-responsive neurons encouraged rescue behavior even among unfamiliar mice.
—Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025
Engaging in conversations about race requires activating System 2—the slower, more intentional way of thinking—to disrupt those patterns and build deeper awareness.
—Ashley B. Stewart, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activating
Verb
-
The Heat ripped off a 15-0 run after Hauser’s early buckets and built an early 28-9 lead, triggering two Mazzulla timeouts and a series of Celtics substitutions.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The process is known to heat the exterior of the returning spacecraft to more than 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,926 degrees Celsius), creating a buildup of plasma and triggering a minutes-long communication blackout.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Thanksgiving travel is stressful every year, but the 2025 edition definitely has the potential to be extra jitter-inducing.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
22 Nov. 2025
-
The live show looms, nerve-inducing, practically inviting a stress bond.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The hotter temperatures are sparking changes in precipitation—rainier rains and drier droughts.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The confrontation is sparking a conversation about theater etiquette.—
Kristie Keleshian,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
According to investigators, the man was driving a Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Kilgore Road when the truck left the roadway, entered a ditch and overturned.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This is about believing in a future that feels both inspiring and supportive.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
This inspiring annual gathering brings together survivors, advocates, medical leaders, and community partners to celebrate hope, progress, and the collective power driving change in the fight against breast cancer, according to a news release.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In fact, this was a galvanizing moment in my relationship with Brian Grazer that ultimately would lead us to launch a company.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Mamdani’s victory in the financial capital of the world was seen as a galvanizing moment for the progressive wing of the party and a sign of an insurgent mood among its base.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Here’s everything to know about Chris Robbins and his relationship with the motivational speaker.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Bowen agrees that Summerville duly answered Nuno’s motivational pleas.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activating. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
