as in triggered
to cause to function
the thermostat is set to activate the heating system only when the temperature drops below 65 degrees
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Recent Examples of activated
Psychological and emotional wounds from early life can be activated anytime − whether while walking through Target, or just before hopping on the phone with a reporter.
—
Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
However, the report said the chief did identify himself and had lights activated on his unmarked police car.
—Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Veteran right-hander Phil Maton will be activated from the IL during the Cubs’ upcoming series in San Diego.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
The molecule is activated with hydrogen peroxide, and the micromotors move the particle at 7 micrometers per second.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
According to police, Gabriel de Jesus Firmino died on Sunday after being crushed by two stage elevators when the equipment was activated by another worker.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
After severe weather in North Texas over the weekend, some folks may be curious when tornado sirens are activated.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Three people, including a police officer, were injured in south Kansas City Monday after a car crashed into a Kansas City Police Department vehicle with its emergency lights activated.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
His game is built on leverage and precision while his athleticism pops when he’s activated in space.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
However, the report said the chief did identify himself and had lights activated on his unmarked police car.
—Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Veteran right-hander Phil Maton will be activated from the IL during the Cubs’ upcoming series in San Diego.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
The molecule is activated with hydrogen peroxide, and the micromotors move the particle at 7 micrometers per second.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
According to police, Gabriel de Jesus Firmino died on Sunday after being crushed by two stage elevators when the equipment was activated by another worker.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
After severe weather in North Texas over the weekend, some folks may be curious when tornado sirens are activated.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Three people, including a police officer, were injured in south Kansas City Monday after a car crashed into a Kansas City Police Department vehicle with its emergency lights activated.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
His game is built on leverage and precision while his athleticism pops when he’s activated in space.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activated
Verb
-
The United Nations Development Programme reports that higher energy prices, disrupted food systems, and economic slowdowns triggered by the war could push up to thirty-two million people globally into poverty.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
While the legislature required most involuntary tows from apartments to be triggered by specific complaints, residents said towing companies are continuing to patrol public housing and low-income apartment complexes and tow cars for minor violations.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Something that presents itself this month—a connection, an opportunity, an idea sparked by travel—could be the beginning of that larger transformation.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The moment has sparked an outpouring of empathy, with many pointing to the intense pressure drivers face on the job.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Deborah Courtney drove more than two hours from from Jacksonville and noted that all citizen speakers expressed opposition.—
Bill Barrow,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his third home run of the season and drove in three runs to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.—
Richard J. Marcus,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Inside, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 is powered by the in-house Caliber 32111, offering a robust 120-hour power reserve—an engineering feat that mirrors the endurance and performance demanded on the track.—
Carol Besler,
Robb Report,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Activated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activated. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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