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
-
When the brain perceives threat or stress, a small structure called the amygdala activates the body’s alarm system.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026 -
The pattern-aware Moon activates your 10th House of Career, supporting practical steps that showcase your skills and leadership in all settings.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The social experience of living in Margaritaville, focused around the central activity space, drives much of the interest.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Lower compensation drives workers away, reduces availability and increases turnover.—
Peter Mattes,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Rain also triggers personal associations — cozy indoor afternoons, quiet nights, childhood rainy days.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with snow and heavy rain that triggers flash floods often killing dozens, or even hundreds, of people at a time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Israel moves fast, launching a bold military operation against a weaker Middle Eastern neighbor.—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
After that, the Moon moves from LEO into VIRGO.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Every exchange reveals a story, sparks a friendship and changes a life.—
Ashlee Conour,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
-
As the Middle East conflict reshapes shipping corridors and sparks concerns of fuel costs, FedEx is appearing to shrug off any serious impacts to its business.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Mar. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Actuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuates. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
