ACTIVATES Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

activates

verb

present tense third-person singular of activate

as in triggers

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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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 activates Vagal tone stimulation activates the vagus nerve to slow heart rate and lower stress hormones. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 The bi-phase formula activates with a quick shake and absorbs effortlessly into skin. — Sheryl George, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026 The moon’s connection to Jupiter activates your spiritual side. — Usa Today, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Kohler’s Dekoda, one of the newest entries, activates with a fingerprint tap on a remote. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 Before taking them on, I was allowed to pick a custom chip that gives Mega Man a power-up that activates with R1. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 This celestial season activates your expansive ninth house of adventure, education and exposure, inspiring you to take a leap of faith or perhaps even embark on a meaningful trip. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026 The result is a drug delivery system that activates only when needed, avoiding the risk of long-term administration of needlessly high doses. — Mike McRae 19, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026 The drug activates the orexin pathway that is dysfunctional in people with the condition, restoring the brain’s ability to remain alert during the day, and is approved for people with narcolepsy type 1. — Alice Park, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for activates

Verb

Touch guides drone The first tactile contact triggers a change in the drone’s behavior.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
That light exposure triggers the production of chlorophyll in the potato’s skin (the same pigment responsible for turning leaves green).

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

The illusion of molten steel was basically water and mineral oil mixed with a little powdered sugar; creative lighting and heaters placed below the cameras—plus a few CGI sparks in the background—did the rest.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
She's tasked with completing the mercurial master's unfinished works, though Lori and Julian's relationship sparks needed connection and redemption for each.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sparks

Verb

Reuse drives the design That reusable architecture could be just as important as the rocket’s lower unit cost.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
The science behind rare disease drug development is changing fast, and with it, so is the financial engine that drives it all.

— Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of drives

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activated

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“Activates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activates. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of activates

verb

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