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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of activates
Tonight the Aries Moon activates ambition, and a decision about visibility or leadership may suddenly feel obvious.
—
Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Leaning forward demands strength and stability in your core and lower back, while a rowing motion activates your shoulder, arm, and upper back muscles.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 May 2026
In contrast, targeting NTR1 activates a particular signaling protein and blocks pain.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
The moisture activates the surfactants and softening agents embedded in the sheet.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Slow diaphragmatic breathing, whether box breathing or the 4-7-8 method, activates the parasympathetic nervous system and blunts the spike.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Sunlight also activates the pineal gland, which is tied to serotonin production — the chemical messenger that regulates mood and focus.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
The order activates, for the first time, a private right of action.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Leaning forward demands strength and stability in your core and lower back, while a rowing motion activates your shoulder, arm, and upper back muscles.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 May 2026
In contrast, targeting NTR1 activates a particular signaling protein and blocks pain.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
The moisture activates the surfactants and softening agents embedded in the sheet.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Slow diaphragmatic breathing, whether box breathing or the 4-7-8 method, activates the parasympathetic nervous system and blunts the spike.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Sunlight also activates the pineal gland, which is tied to serotonin production — the chemical messenger that regulates mood and focus.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
The order activates, for the first time, a private right of action.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activates
Verb
-
Continue reading … COPY AND PASTE — New York Magazine columnist accused of plagiarism by fellow reporters, triggers internal review.—
,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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When an agent triggers a bad action, ownership often dissolves into a fog of prompts, product decisions and access policies.—
Oleg Malii,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Iran denies ever withdrawing from the Venice Biennale, and the Somalia Pavilion sparks controversy.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
13 May 2026
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Regardless of the verdict, the initiative sparks broader efforts like planting wildflowers and reducing pesticide use.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2026
Verb
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In confident markets, industrial demand drives silver’s price, Anya-Gafu says.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Criminalizing hemp and marijuana drives the black market and helps the cartels, not the people.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The company generates annual revenue between $500 million and $600 million, according to industry experts.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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With most of the cast and crew kept in the dark to avoid any messy interference from their respective unions, the program generates scripts at a rapid clip.—
Caroline Framke,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activates. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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