ACTUATES Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

actuates

verb

present tense third-person singular of actuate

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

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuates

Verb

After the release mechanism activates, the polymer hinges use heat to unfold the solar panels.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
This loosens the spine and activates energy through the main energy centers.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

However, there’s also another unprecedented force at work in the form of a historically strong El Niño, which typically drives warmer global temperatures.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2026
So, my first question to you both would be, what’s your take on whether these two are pure psychopaths or what drives them?

— Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of drives

Verb

The intense heat triggers a rapid reaction in which carbon bonds with silica to form silicon carbide, a ultra-hard, heat-tolerant compound.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
That single request triggers decisions about which data to pull, which accounts qualify, whether sensitive information should leave the organization and whether sending the email is even permitted.

— Kumar Chivukula, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

Nvidia scandal sparks calls for export curbs The potential ouster of Nvidia’s CEO could lead to a tightening of US controls on the sale of cutting-edge semiconductor technology to China.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Continue reading … NATION IN CHAOS — Fires erupt, storefronts smashed as massive strike sparks riots across Spain.

— , FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of sparks

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actuated

actuates

actuating

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“Actuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuates. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of actuates

verb

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