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
-
The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026 -
This activates systems in your body that control your stress levels and your hormones.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
So does her husband who drives a van for people with disabilities.—
Tovia Smith,
NPR,
7 May 2026
-
As with all the company’s apparel and merchandise purchases, a portion of the proceeds supports the Guy Harvey Foundation, which funds scientific research, advances education and drives advocacy to protect marine ecosystems.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Born blind and yearning for connection, his obsession sparks a subculture that helps shape the future of hacking and technology.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
-
Benjamin Franklin linked sparks in the lab with lightning in the sky in his famous kite-flying experiment in 1752.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
6 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Actuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuates. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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