You must activate the software before you can use it again.
Source: tatoeba (1564874)
Activate
/ˈæktɪˌveɪt/
Synonyms for "activate" (320 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (64)
Verb(25 words)
triggeractuateenableset offstartactivatedactuatedactuatesaeratearousedarousesawakenedawokenbeepedbeginsbestirbestirredbestirsbriskingcapacitate programs
Show 5 more words
Noun(25 words)
actioningactivatingactsactuatingalarmsalertsanimate actionanimate objectanimatingbeepsbellpullbootstrap projectcapacity to do workcastlecause state changeclickclickingclicksclutchingcode unlock
Show 5 more words
Adjective(2 words)
Strong matches (96)
Noun(35 words)
cuecuescurrent flowcustomer management functionenergisingenergize the classenergized discussionenergizingenergizing classenergizing science projectenergy form typeenergy typesenginesfaucetsfermentsflickflip switchforegroundsfull scale launchfuzes
Show 15 more words
galvanizinggear actiongerminatinghandsetsincrease energizationincrease energizationsinducinginitiatesinitiatinginvokingissue licensesjoltjumpstartkickkicking
Verb(39 words)
deploydeployeddynamizeeffectuatingenergiseenergizeenergize discussionenergize imaginationenergize learningenergize studentsenergize the imaginationenergizedenergizesenergizes focusengageengagesexcitedexecute an orderexecute operationexercised
Show 19 more words
Adjective(10 words)
dutch powerelectrifyingenabledenergizing effectenergizing imaginationenergy bearingexcited configurationgentle tuginitial long moveinvigorating class
Related words (160)
Noun(66 words)
kickslansalauncheslever actuationlighting powermedivacmobilizingmore animatemore triggermotivatingmouvoirsmovement inspiredopen library systemopen number-linephysical actplant stress responseplasma phasepower inputpower lightpower on
Show 46 more words
power on steppower up devicespowered onpoweringpress startprimesprogram launchpublishing workflowpumpspushpush a switchpushing leverradio signalingreactivatingready to actresource energizationrun reveals faultsat strategy moduleshocksignal a warningsignal dangersingle pushsound triggerstart processstartingstartlestartsstrobesuperchargeswitchswitchesthreshold forcethrust intotogglestogglingtouchestransform energytriggeringtriggerstripstype of energyunpaused periodurge to actwakeswheel turn mechanismwhirring
Adjective(9 words)
kinetic energy relatedmechanical signalpolitical urgingrapid change technologyrapid demand growthstarting valuestimulatingunsheathedunsilenced
Verb(51 words)
Determiner(1 words)
most signal
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: trigger, actuate, enable, set off, start.
- Sentence evidence is available for activate, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from wiktionary, wordnet, opengloss, moby, and related lexical sources.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "activate".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "activate"
Keep "activate" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "activate" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "activate", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "activate" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
8 entriesMore specific
9 entriesaccount enablementclass engagementdevice activationfeature enablementgroup participationprogram initiationservice activationstudent motivationsystem startup
Collocations
6 entriesactivate a deviceactivate a featureactivate a programactivate a sensoractivate an accountactivate the alarm
Inflections
3 entriesDerivations
5 entriesAntonyms
1 entriesSample sentences
13 total sentences available.
To activate the faucet, just wave your hands under the spout and the motion detectors will start the water flowing.
Source: tatoeba (3924525)
The left turn signal will only activate if a vehicle in the left turn lane triggers the sensor embedded in the roadway.
Source: tatoeba (3924546)
All sensory pleasures activate the minds of the noble-natured. They shut down the minds of the unnoble.
Source: tatoeba (5452136)
Showing 4 of 13 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "activate"?
Closest matches include trigger, actuate, enable, set off, start.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "activate"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.