1
as in to activate
to cause to function
a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to move
to set or keep in motion
hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actuate
Further, some mechanical switches require little force and/or travel to actuate, which can also help with speed and the amount of energy exerted while typing.
—
Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
And a story was planted that Nazi Germany actuated the Katyn Massacre in 1940.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
The cascading dominoes can also be lightweight, flexible, and actuated by a variety of soft actuators (for example, shape memory alloys, inflatable actuators, bending actuators, etc.), whereas conveyor systems are operated by electric motors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
When in alarm mode, the slide must be actuated again to wind the alarm, changing the bell from red to white.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
And a story was planted that Nazi Germany actuated the Katyn Massacre in 1940.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
The cascading dominoes can also be lightweight, flexible, and actuated by a variety of soft actuators (for example, shape memory alloys, inflatable actuators, bending actuators, etc.), whereas conveyor systems are operated by electric motors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
When in alarm mode, the slide must be actuated again to wind the alarm, changing the bell from red to white.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuate
Verb
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Leo activates your solar 10th house, urging bold moves, leadership, and visibility.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
24 July 2025
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This induces a meditative, parasympathetic state—activating your body’s natural healing processes and reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
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The implant was allegedly moved when Niven, 34, elbowed Nikki mid-fight.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Mary, a young scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, had resigned and moved across the country to start a job in the private sector.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In fact, Patrick's frustration with former Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, over vouchers and the House's decision to bring 20 impeachment charges against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023 were triggering factors in setting up the speaker's race ahead of the start of session.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The area is also prone to landslides which could be triggered by a quake.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
29 July 2025
Verb
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That in turn drove low wages for workers, high staff turnover and limited capacity for children.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
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The company eventually evolved to using trucks — Jim Janssen recalled driving the milk trucks at just 11.—
Emma George-Griffin,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Battles will also almost certainly resemble the combat sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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Once sparked, usually by lightning strikes, these dry areas have the right conditions to make huge fires.—
Andrew Montequin,
jsonline.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Given their soaring popularity over the past three years, matching their Euro 2022 success on Sunday would propel them to another stratosphere.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
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Hogan, a wrestling superstar credited with propelling the sport into the mainstream in the 1980s, died July 24 from cardiac arrest at the age of 71.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The vouchers will be powered by donations that individuals can make to what's known as a scholarship granting organization — in exchange for an unprecedented dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.—
The Tennessean,
The Tennessean,
31 July 2025
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This technology powers Waymo’s ride-hailing service, allowing passengers to take trips without a human behind the wheel.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Takashi Shimura beautifully portrays Kanji Watanabe, an aging bureaucrat with stomach cancer who is impelled to find meaning in his final days.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
9 June 2025
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Four years later, a toxic waste spill led the mine to close altogether, and intense Chinese competition impelled the decision not to reopen.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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