1
as in activates
to cause to function
a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drives
to set or keep in motion
hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuates
Verb
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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
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
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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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Your mind is racing, and you’re tempted to say something impulsive, especially in a text, DM or conversation that triggers you.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
-
Early withdrawal typically triggers a penalty that can wipe out a meaningful chunk of the interest earned.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The Moon moves through your 7th House of Partnership, making interactions more direct and emotionally charged in subtle ways.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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Both days could produce thunderstorms but Thursday has the higher likelihood of storms as the front moves through.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
3 May 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
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Cite this Entry
“Actuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuates. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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