actuating

verb

present participle of actuate
1
as in activating
to cause to function a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in driving
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

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.
Recent Examples of actuating Creating such complex structures combining soft and rigid features and actuating them with artificial muscles would further our understanding of natural kinematic structures. — IEEE Spectrum, 6 Mar. 2026 Dynamic soft robots To create OCTOID’s modular actuating legs, researchers fabricated active (AL) and passive layers (PL) from cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs) using a bottom-up self-assembly of reactive mesogens, crosslinkers, and chain extenders. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuating
  1. activating
  2. driving
  3. triggering
  4. moving
  5. sparking
  6. propelling
Verb
  • Those cases often centered on devices mistakenly activating or capturing speech that was not intended as a command.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Semaglutide mimics its activity by activating GLP-1 receptors in the body.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of activating
Verb
  • The analyst noted that industry checks and data indicate that infrastructure software demand is strengthening, with AI increasingly driving usage and growth.
    — TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
  • According to court records, Rogers was driving the vehicle and Arrington was a passenger.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of driving
Verb
  • The latest attack came as part of the ongoing war between the army and the RSF, which broke out in April 2023, triggering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to aid organizations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Military leaders identified the need to extend the runway and address safety requirements, triggering a major infrastructure effort around the base.
    — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of triggering
Verb
  • One of the key questions investigators are working to answer is why the control center appeared to be unaware that a train remained stalled on the tracks ahead of a train moving at 120 mph.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But what about those who exhibit other signs of depression who never stop moving, and may double down on their work?
    — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of moving
Verb
  • Growing concern over microplastics and sustainability is sparking a wave of plastic-free coffee pods and machines.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The pirate crew is said to have tortured, killed and raped those aboard the royal ship, sparking global outrage and what is considered the first worldwide manhunt.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sparking
Verb
  • Harvey Gantt, Charlotte’s first Black mayor, credited fundraisers at the Excelsior with propelling his political career.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Dues, 54, gathered herself then pushed hard, propelling the wheelchair that carried her injured niece to the polls.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of propelling

Browse Nearby Words

actuates
actuating
actuator
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Cite this Entry

“Actuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuating. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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