Phonates is a verb that means to produce vocal sounds, such as speaking or singing. There are several synonyms for phonates that convey a similar meaning, including articulate, vocalize, enunciate, speak, and pronounce. These words are often used interchangeably to refer to the act of producing speech or sound through the vocal cords. Some other possible synonyms for phonates might include intone, chant, recite, or declaim, depending on the context and the specific qualities of the sound being produced. Regardless of the exact word choice, the idea of phonating involves using the voice to communicate through sound.