1
as in to activate
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 to move
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actuate
And a story was planted that Nazi Germany actuated the Katyn Massacre in 1940.
—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
The cascading dominoes can also be lightweight, flexible, and actuated by a variety of soft actuators (for example, shape memory alloys, inflatable actuators, bending actuators, etc.), whereas conveyor systems are operated by electric motors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
When in alarm mode, the slide must be actuated again to wind the alarm, changing the bell from red to white.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2023
Other teams favored a physical interface, strapping the operator into hardware (almost like a robotic exoskeleton) that could read their motions and then actuate the limbs of the avatar robot to match, while simultaneously providing force feedback.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
The cascading dominoes can also be lightweight, flexible, and actuated by a variety of soft actuators (for example, shape memory alloys, inflatable actuators, bending actuators, etc.), whereas conveyor systems are operated by electric motors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
When in alarm mode, the slide must be actuated again to wind the alarm, changing the bell from red to white.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2023
Other teams favored a physical interface, strapping the operator into hardware (almost like a robotic exoskeleton) that could read their motions and then actuate the limbs of the avatar robot to match, while simultaneously providing force feedback.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for actuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuate
Verb
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In this case, we’re well served to recognize that our social capital is enriched by diversifying across those deeper, fewer connections as well as the more numerous casual relationships that often have an outsized positive impact when activated at the right time.—
Tim Maurer,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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Every morning, guests can watch as the Chronos opens the portals by lining them up and activating them.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Our reporters talk to each other and move around candidates from one category to another.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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The bill also included moving $1.1 million from the Constitutional Defense Fund into the Legislative Legal Defense Fund.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But yeah, maybe she’s been a vegetarian this whole time and the proteins triggered something!—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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China and the European Union announced new trade barriers on Wednesday in direct response to President Donald Trump's steep tariffs, which, according to Reuters, have triggered a global trade war and bolstered the likelihood of a recession.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Authorities allege, per the AP, that White drove up next to Noble and got out of his car with a gun in his hand, prompting Noble to get out of his car and run away.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
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Philanthropy can address market failures and lay the groundwork for scalable solutions, while investments follow to drive growth.—
Matt Damon,
TIME,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The shooting has sparked outrage in the eastern Idaho city after video footage circulated on social media, and showed four officers opening fire on Victor behind a fence.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Apr. 2025
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That turnover sparked a counterattack, allowing Rogers to squeeze out a chance with an xG of 0.35 at the back post — where the absent Mendes should have been.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Secondly, the mortgage lock-in effect is now beginning to ease, which is propelling a massive backlog of new listings to the market.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
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The village of Round Lake appears to have a new mayor-elect, with controversy over two local projects helping propel Trustee Brian Brubaker to an overwhelming 60-point victory over incumbent Russell Kraly, according to unofficial results.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That may be enough to power a standard laptop, but not enough to play video games with a powerful GPU.—
Benjamin Roulston,
The Conversation,
14 Mar. 2025
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Last month, Vodafone demoed the technology by using the BlueBird satellites to power a video call from a remote region in Wales that lacked traditional cell coverage.—
Michael Kan,
PCMAG,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Creating Equitable Opportunities For Learners Everywhere The intersection of technology and education is one of the most compelling areas to impel social and economic development.—
Haroldo Jacobovicz,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Wayne Cornelius, an immigration scholar at the University of California, San Diego, has found that bleak job prospects are most likely to impel undocumented immigrants to leave.—
Miriam Jordan,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuate. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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