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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Recent Examples of activates
Servín activates his panic button that many searchers carry.
—
ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Unlike traditional compression, which applies constant pressure—whether it’s needed or not—Rheon activates only during impact (movement or strain) and then returns to a flexible state.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026
The temperamental Moon activates your 3rd House of Communication, forming a supportive trine to rebellious Uranus in your 7th House of Companions.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
These run on electricity, which activates a magnetic field that heats pans and food but leaves burners cool to the touch.
—Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2026
Motivated Mars activates your 6th House of Well-being as of today, motivating you to reconfigure routines and direct your formidable focus toward the tasks that truly count.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Miki, originally a bus driver, gradually discovers and activates the abilities within himself to build one of the largest and most feared mafia groups in the country.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
How Magnesium Glycinate Supports Your Sleep Cycle Magnesium activates GABA receptors, slowing brain activity and promoting relaxation.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
The device looks like a regular phone at first glance, but a quick swipe activates the motor, which unfurls additional screen real estate from around the back.
—ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Unlike traditional compression, which applies constant pressure—whether it’s needed or not—Rheon activates only during impact (movement or strain) and then returns to a flexible state.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026
The temperamental Moon activates your 3rd House of Communication, forming a supportive trine to rebellious Uranus in your 7th House of Companions.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
These run on electricity, which activates a magnetic field that heats pans and food but leaves burners cool to the touch.
—Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2026
Motivated Mars activates your 6th House of Well-being as of today, motivating you to reconfigure routines and direct your formidable focus toward the tasks that truly count.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Miki, originally a bus driver, gradually discovers and activates the abilities within himself to build one of the largest and most feared mafia groups in the country.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
How Magnesium Glycinate Supports Your Sleep Cycle Magnesium activates GABA receptors, slowing brain activity and promoting relaxation.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
The device looks like a regular phone at first glance, but a quick swipe activates the motor, which unfurls additional screen real estate from around the back.
—ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activates
Verb
-
The premeditation conviction automatically triggers a life sentence without the possibility of parole.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Each application triggers a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … COPYCAT RISK — Molotov cocktail attack on Sam Altman's home sparks fears of similar strikes against tech executives.—
,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
-
As for how quickly sparks will start flying between Amy and Ben, Steinberg was noncommittal.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The trading push comes as the Middle East war disrupts commodity flows and drives up costs across global supply chains.—
Lee Ying Shan,Emily Tan,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Scientists know that dark energy is an all-pervasive something that drives the universe’s accelerating expansion.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Each agent is responsible for a narrow task and each generates an output the next step can use.—
Anita Beveridge-Raffo,
Fortune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
When an industry generates large, quantifiable social costs, a small and predictable share of its profits would be directed toward mitigating those costs.—
Nicolas S. Rohatyn,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activates. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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