1
as in to activate
to cause to function
a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actuate
Optical switches actuate via light rather than metal contacts.
—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
Creating such complex structures combining soft and rigid features and actuating them with artificial muscles would further our understanding of natural kinematic structures.
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IEEE Spectrum,
6 Mar. 2026
The robots respond differently depending on how researchers actuate them.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
With 265-front and 295-rear summer meat connecting them to the pavement, the CLE53 never felt lacking in this department, and the pedal was rather pleasant to actuate.
—
Peter Nelson,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
Creating such complex structures combining soft and rigid features and actuating them with artificial muscles would further our understanding of natural kinematic structures.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
6 Mar. 2026
The robots respond differently depending on how researchers actuate them.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
With 265-front and 295-rear summer meat connecting them to the pavement, the CLE53 never felt lacking in this department, and the pedal was rather pleasant to actuate.
—
Peter Nelson,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuate
Verb
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
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Scent activates pathways that trigger emotional and memory responses.
Verb
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To keep up with the fast-moving aerial acts, the app features an adjustable countdown timer set to the official schedule.
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If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.
Verb
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By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.
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Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.
Verb
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The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
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Congestion is difficult to predict, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, when driving behavior shifted and peak traffic hours spread out instead of sticking to the more uniform 9-to-5 workday.
Verb
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Whereas the federal incentive may have been enough to spark interest in a range of buyers, Moody said the lesser amount will probably appeal mainly to people who already have their eye on an EV.
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And a red card against an American soccer star sparks debate.
Verb
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The one-two acquisition punch would propel the Ellison family to top-tier moguls with influence over CNN, CBS News, HBO, Turner Classic Movies and two historic Hollywood studios.
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All five stocks are members of the Magnificent Seven, a group of mega-cap technology stocks that has been credited with propelling the market to record highs over recent years.
Verb
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Housed in a 39mm yellow gold case, each watch is powered by Corum’s CO082 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
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The connection with Quinones continues to power the Mexican attack.
Cite this Entry
“Actuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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