Synonyms of activates

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• triggers
• sparks
• drives
• generates
• powers
• moves
• actuates
• starts
• fuels
• ignites
• provokes
• pushes
• sets off
• runs
• turns on
• stimulates
• cranks (up)
• energizes
• fires
• launches
• charges
• electrifies
• reactivates
• touches off
• switches
• releases
• accelerates
• arouses
• turns over
• excites
• recharges
• incites
• instigates
• discharges
• catalyzes
• trips
• quickens
• kicks over
• vitalizes
• kick-starts
• stirs up
• jump-starts
• speeds (up)
• steps up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• kills
• cuts
• stops
• brakes
• deactivates
• turns off
• shuts off
• cuts out
• arrests
• checks
• halts
• sticks
• stalls
• jams
• slows
• cuts off
• suppresses
• draws up
• represses
• decelerates
• stunts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of activates

The accumulating damage persistently activates the innate immune system—the body’s first line of defense—leading to what is known as inflammaging, functional decline and chronic diseases of old age. — Kristel Tjandra, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

For controls, the left earcup has a power button, while the right earcup has a noise-control button that activates your voice assistant when held down. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026

Seated Marches Seated marches are a simple yet powerful exercise that activates deep core strength and coordination. — Rikkilynn Shields, HEALTH, 19 Oct. 2026

The agency rejected the recommendation, saying that using cameras that automatically activate when an officer pulls their weapon or activates a car siren could risk privacy concerns. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

And a few are very highly specific, such as the protease that activates insulin, which only cuts near a very specific series of amino acids. — ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Our body releases hormones and activates heat shock proteins that protect our cells. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

Simple heel-to-toe walking activates the calves, Stoughton said. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Soaking grains and legumes before cooking them activates an enzyme called phytase that breaks down the phytates in foods. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2026