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
Once repair is complete, growth hormone activates a brainstem region called the locus coeruleus, which gently nudges you toward waking.
—
Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Dreaming big is par for the course when Mercury activates Jupiter.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
This reusable device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and an easy-to-use top ring that activates the alarm and 120 minutes of continuous strobe light and sound.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
Helps Calm the Nervous System Magnesium activates GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a natural chemical in the brain that promotes relaxation.
—Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2026
Long after a clinical decision has set events in motion, a second system activates to verify whether the decision satisfied the rules.
—Holland Haynie, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026
Sousa, returning from an oblique injury, will pitch on back-to-back days as the final step of his rehab assignment before Houston activates him.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 19 Apr. 2026
Rumblex Max is the most advanced vibration plate in Lifepro's Rumblex series, delivering powerful 4D training that activates your entire body.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
To find the right weight for strength training, choose one that challenges and activates your muscles.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 17 Apr. 2026
Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Dreaming big is par for the course when Mercury activates Jupiter.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
This reusable device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and an easy-to-use top ring that activates the alarm and 120 minutes of continuous strobe light and sound.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
Helps Calm the Nervous System Magnesium activates GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a natural chemical in the brain that promotes relaxation.
—Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2026
Long after a clinical decision has set events in motion, a second system activates to verify whether the decision satisfied the rules.
—Holland Haynie, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026
Sousa, returning from an oblique injury, will pitch on back-to-back days as the final step of his rehab assignment before Houston activates him.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 19 Apr. 2026
Rumblex Max is the most advanced vibration plate in Lifepro's Rumblex series, delivering powerful 4D training that activates your entire body.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
To find the right weight for strength training, choose one that challenges and activates your muscles.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for activates
Verb
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This plateau triggers all the synapses with the eligibility trace to strengthen.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Coal exporters like Indonesia are also ramping up their stockpiles as the Middle East conflict triggers a price surge.—
Julius Cesar Trajano,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County began when a foil-like party balloon hit a power line and sparks ignited surrounding vegetation, authorities say.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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Rescue sparks debate in country Officials in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania said their strategy had focused on minimizing stress for the animal, rejecting public calls for the whale to be euthanized to end its suffering.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Imagining an eternity of this, Creasy disables his car’s braking system and drives into a concrete pylon.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during game five of the first round playoffs against the Orlando Magic last night.—
Sahil Kapur,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mining generates large quantities of toxic waste and wastewater containing heavy metals, acids and radioactive residues.—
Abraham Nunbogu,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Petco Park also generates year-round revenue from other events like concerts, which adds several hundred million dollars to the value of the San Diego franchise.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Activates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/activates. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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