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
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Add a bubbling undercurrent of fresh talent, an influx of new labels activating across the week, and the halo effect of the Winter Olympics, which concluded on February 22, and there’s a lot to consider at MFW FW26, running from February 24 to March 1.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
Microphone or camera indicators are activating randomly Both iPhone and Android show visual indicators when the camera or microphone is in use.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Your attitude in activating the protocol is an example of courage and dignity.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
For Theory’s fall collection, the designer is activating the old New York nostalgia that solidified the ’90s.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
So this is about informing, educating, and activating people.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
In response, Walz issued an executive order activating cyber-security specialists from the Minnesota National Guard, and the FBI and private consultants quickly became involved.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
After such an activating start to the year, you’re invited to rest, reflect, and reconnect with your spiritual side.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Check each of several sprinkler system zones individually, allowing the system to slowly fill with water before activating the zones.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Add a bubbling undercurrent of fresh talent, an influx of new labels activating across the week, and the halo effect of the Winter Olympics, which concluded on February 22, and there’s a lot to consider at MFW FW26, running from February 24 to March 1.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
Microphone or camera indicators are activating randomly Both iPhone and Android show visual indicators when the camera or microphone is in use.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Your attitude in activating the protocol is an example of courage and dignity.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
For Theory’s fall collection, the designer is activating the old New York nostalgia that solidified the ’90s.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
So this is about informing, educating, and activating people.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
In response, Walz issued an executive order activating cyber-security specialists from the Minnesota National Guard, and the FBI and private consultants quickly became involved.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 12 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activating
Verb
-
As a result, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the release of stress hormones that prompt a person to gasp for air.—
Valerie Cacho,
Verywell Health,
26 Feb. 2026
-
If pets share the bed, allergy-triggering dander adds another layer of buildup, making more frequent washing especially important.—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The cringe factor is really great and anxiety-inducing.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
-
For Greendeer, this is the latest example of hits that are at once fierce and panic-inducing.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fire risk is declining somewhat after wildfires in Oklahoma spread quickly across the state this week, causing thousands of acres of damage and sparking short evacuations.—
Cheyenne Derksen,
Oklahoman,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The Clippers trailed 72-65 at the break and found themselves down by 16 in the third quarter, but Mathurin scored nine points in the third, sparking a 17-1 run as the visitors erased their deficit and kept the game close the rest of the way.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The congresswoman said Rafael had been detained by ICE agents after a routine inspection while driving a commercial cargo truck in Louisiana.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Tutash Express and Sam Express in the Chicago area were also disqualified, and the Aydana driving school that the trucker involved in the crash attended lost its certification.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The service The friendly team offers guests a reliable and inspiring stay with superb facilities and services; attention to detail is consistent.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
-
During this dynamic week, Chase brought together an inspiring and pioneering group of business owners for an extraordinary dinner at Pao Restaurant within the Faena Hotel.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That wouldn’t matter so much if The Dreadful were more galvanizing.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Jonas Valanciunas offered an abstract, motivational response this week.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
-
But the Huskies’ defense has regressed since then, causing a lot of the damage to the motivational poster board.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activating. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
