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

One of those earlier findings was that the ectoderm of the early embryo activates two genes, one in the front half of the embryo, one in the back. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026

When the thermostat calls for cooling, the PLC activates the actuator, which physically presses the window unit’s power button. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

Nicotine activates reward pathways in the brain, which can create a temporary sense of pleasure and well-being. — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Home asks for adjustments as the temperamental Moon activates your 4th House of Family and Foundations, bringing feelings up around privacy that supports your well‑being. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026

If the vehicle has no power and the window remains fully raised, Tesla warns the glass could shatter when someone activates the release. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Such a case activates protocols that outline how prosecutors, police and forensic experts should carry out their investigations, the professor said. — Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Microsoft slowly activates features like this in waves to avoid problems. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Vagal tone stimulation activates the vagus nerve to slow heart rate and lower stress hormones. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026