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
Relevance
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
Now is the time to activate curiosity and follow where the questions lead.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
—
Mary Hemphill, Phd, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
If activated, the auto-reboot is triggered after three consecutive days of inactivity, and your Android phone will return to the Before First Unlock (BFU) state.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025
In this case, we’re well served to recognize that our social capital is enriched by diversifying across those deeper, fewer connections as well as the more numerous casual relationships that often have an outsized positive impact when activated at the right time.
—Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Mary Hemphill, Phd, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
If activated, the auto-reboot is triggered after three consecutive days of inactivity, and your Android phone will return to the Before First Unlock (BFU) state.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025
In this case, we’re well served to recognize that our social capital is enriched by diversifying across those deeper, fewer connections as well as the more numerous casual relationships that often have an outsized positive impact when activated at the right time.
—Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activate
Verb
-
However, the app’s rising popularity quickly triggered national security and data concerns outside China due to Beijing’s requirement for domestic firms to share data with the PRC.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Market Volatility: The 2022 inflation spike triggered a 52% stock drop (from $170 to $82), exceeding the S&P 500's 25.4% decline.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The suspect could be seen smashing in a window with a hammer and throwing a Molotov cocktail into the room, immediately sparking flames, according to an arrest affidavit.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Beyond its commercial success, the production has generated substantial cultural impact, sparking over 3.8 million social media mentions in the first quarter of 2025 and achieving an 84% Net Sentiment Rate – the highest in its category.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association warned last month that tariffs and counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum products would likely drive up the costs of construction materials, making building and buying new homes more expensive, worsening the housing affordability issue.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Atlanta took advantage, with Trae Young driving for a layup to tie the score at 106 with 1.3 seconds remaining and force overtime.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
From 1991 to 2019, real median household income rose > 30%, largely powered by sustained consumption.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Your muscles, meanwhile, have grown both new capillaries to shuttle that blood as well as tiny energy factories called mitochondria, which power your stride.—
Cindy Kuzma,
SELF,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The way to make this all possible, Democrats say, is by loosening the fiscal guardrails that were created on a bipartisan basis in 2017 and have allowed the state to generate continuous surpluses during Lamont’s tenure.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Disney and Lucasfilm have trumpeted Star Wars franchise news at the Tokyo event in an effort to generate strong buzz for upcoming TV, film and gaming releases.—
William Earl,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Our reporters talk to each other and move around candidates from one category to another.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The bill also included moving $1.1 million from the Constitutional Defense Fund into the Legislative Legal Defense Fund.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share