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
When the brain perceives threat or stress, a small structure called the amygdala activates the body’s alarm system.
—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
The pattern-aware Moon activates your 10th House of Career, supporting practical steps that showcase your skills and leadership in all settings.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The stress response activates when situations such as looming deadlines, financial worries or dangerous encounters signal the body needs to react.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
One license activates on a single Windows device.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 21 Mar. 2026
Because music activates multiple regions of the brain, many seniors who struggle to communicate are suddenly able to sing along, engage, and reconnect — even if only briefly, according to a news release.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
The moody Moon activates your 3rd House of Chatter while squaring radical Uranus in your 6th House of Sensibility, prompting updates in accordance with shifting timelines.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 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 Mar. 2026
Studies in animals – and observations in humans – show that cold exposure not only activates brown fat but also increases appetite.
—Claudio Villanueva, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
The pattern-aware Moon activates your 10th House of Career, supporting practical steps that showcase your skills and leadership in all settings.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The stress response activates when situations such as looming deadlines, financial worries or dangerous encounters signal the body needs to react.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
One license activates on a single Windows device.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 21 Mar. 2026
Because music activates multiple regions of the brain, many seniors who struggle to communicate are suddenly able to sing along, engage, and reconnect — even if only briefly, according to a news release.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
The moody Moon activates your 3rd House of Chatter while squaring radical Uranus in your 6th House of Sensibility, prompting updates in accordance with shifting timelines.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 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 Mar. 2026
Studies in animals – and observations in humans – show that cold exposure not only activates brown fat but also increases appetite.
—Claudio Villanueva, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activates
Verb
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Rain also triggers personal associations — cozy indoor afternoons, quiet nights, childhood rainy days.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
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Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with snow and heavy rain that triggers flash floods often killing dozens, or even hundreds, of people at a time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Every exchange reveals a story, sparks a friendship and changes a life.—
Ashlee Conour,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
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As the Middle East conflict reshapes shipping corridors and sparks concerns of fuel costs, FedEx is appearing to shrug off any serious impacts to its business.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The social experience of living in Margaritaville, focused around the central activity space, drives much of the interest.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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Lower compensation drives workers away, reduces availability and increases turnover.—
Peter Mattes,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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All pitchers agree that the guy holding the bat generates crucial data that a pitcher ignores at his peril.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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Just mentioning Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson generates a range of opinions.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activates. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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