actuates

verb

present tense third-person singular of actuate
1
as in activates
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 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
  1. activates
  2. drives
  3. triggers
  4. moves
  5. sparks
Verb
  • All is saved, until Kripke kills Raj — and the device then activates, taking Stuart, Bert and Kripke to another universe.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • What most people read as refusal is closer to a defense mechanism the mind adopted long before this particular disagreement started, one that activates faster than any deliberate choice could.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of activates
Verb
  • Their fundamentalist, literal understanding of the Bible is one that drives them to take bigger, bolder actions to affirm their belief that the United States is a Christian nation.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Intentional planning drives better long-term outcomes than an approach prioritizing speed.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of drives
Verb
  • Inhaling these particles triggers inflammation, increasing risks of cardiovascular complications and stroke, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
    — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Many couples pick a dollar amount that triggers a conversation before either partner spends it, whether that is $100 or $500.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of triggers
Verb
  • Propulsion system moves toward flight testing The AVEN is the main part that gives X-BAT the ability to direct its thrust for vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
  • The new plan, unveiled earlier this month, moves warehouses north of her property in Manhattan.
    — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of moves
Verb
  • So be sure to explore it and pick up what sparks your interest.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026
  • The destruction of unsold inventory is an open secret in fashion, even though exposure of the practice inevitably sparks public outrage.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Definition of sparks
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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actuated
actuates
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Cite this Entry

“Actuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuates. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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