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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuates

Verb

Vagal tone stimulation activates the vagus nerve to slow heart rate and lower stress hormones.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
The bi-phase formula activates with a quick shake and absorbs effortlessly into skin.

— Sheryl George, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

Reuse drives the design That reusable architecture could be just as important as the rocket’s lower unit cost.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
The science behind rare disease drug development is changing fast, and with it, so is the financial engine that drives it all.

— Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of drives

Verb

Touch guides drone The first tactile contact triggers a change in the drone’s behavior.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
That light exposure triggers the production of chlorophyll in the potato’s skin (the same pigment responsible for turning leaves green).

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

Areas farther east could see greater impacts if the center moves toward the Sabine Pass area, as some forecast guidance currently suggests.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
In training camp, Steward worked at nickel and at safety, but the personnel moves around the secondary have factored him out.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of moves

Verb

The illusion of molten steel was basically water and mineral oil mixed with a little powdered sugar; creative lighting and heaters placed below the cameras—plus a few CGI sparks in the background—did the rest.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
She's tasked with completing the mercurial master's unfinished works, though Lori and Julian's relationship sparks needed connection and redemption for each.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 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.

Browse Nearby Words

actuated

actuates

actuating

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Actuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuates. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of actuates

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes