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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuates

Verb

Rucking activates the upper trapezius, shoulders, upper back, abdominals, obliques and lower back, according to trainers and coaches who specialize in the method.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Scent activates pathways that trigger emotional and memory responses.

— Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

By stripping out parts and, crucially, reducing the number of unique parts, the company shortens manufacturing time, raises reliability, and drives down cost, all at once.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Fire shelters are mandatory equipment for crews who work across rugged terrain where things can change at a moment’s notice, especially when extremely dry and windy weather drives the flames, as happened last Saturday.

— Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of drives

Verb

Mamdani triggers emergency plan for heat On Monday, June 29, the mayor's office announced the activation of a Heat Emergency plan, preparing cooling centers across the city, alongside other options for New Yorkers stuck outside.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Destruction of mammalian tissues typically triggers a complex mix of responses from the immune and repair systems.

— Mike McRae June 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

The moody Moon moves through your 7th House of Partnership as the Sun energizes your 11th House of Friends and Community, aligning cooperation with a larger purpose.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Trainer Robert Ndungu moves between them, occasionally kneeling to demonstrate the correct technique.

— Christopher Clark, NPR, 5 July 2026

Definition of moves

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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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of actuates

verb

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