Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

act upon

VERB
act on
Synonyms
STRONGEST
pursue
WEAK
follow follow up on motivate
Antonyms
WEAK
have no effect on
VERB
drive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chase encourage force herd inspire make motivate prompt propel push rush send spur stimulate
STRONG
actuate animate arouse bulldoze coerce compel constrain dog goad goose harass hasten hound hurl hurry hustle impel induce instigate kick nag oblige overburden overwork pound press pressure prod provoke railroad rouse shepherd shove steamroll worry
WEAK
egg on lean on put up to ride herd on spirit up work on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
depress discourage dissuade halt prevent stop
STRONG
calm dally delay hinder impede leave alone let go please procrastinate pull rest slow wait
WEAK
check curb repress retard
VERB
influence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect alter arouse bias change determine guide impress manipulate persuade prejudice prompt regulate shape sway
STRONG
brainwash bribe channel compel control count direct dispose form impel incite incline induce instigate modify mold move predispose prevail rouse rule seduce sell snow soft sell train turn urge
WEAK
argue into be recognized bring to bear carry weight get at have a part in impact on pull strings talk into work upon
Antonyms
STRONGEST
be fair be just continue keep leave alone neglect prevent remain stay stop
STRONG
delay deter discourage disenchant dissuade halt hinder mismanage
VERB
obey
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept adhere to carry out comply embrace execute heed live by observe surrender
STRONG
accede accord acquiesce agree answer assent concur discharge follow fulfill keep mind perform respond serve submit
WEAK
abide by be loyal to be ruled by bow to do as one says do one's bidding do one's duty do what is expected do what one is told get in line give way hold fast knuckle under play second fiddle take orders toe the line
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decline deny disregard forget ignore leave miss neglect overlook refuse reject
STRONG
argue ask differ disagree disallow disapprove disobey dispute dissent fail object oppose protest question
WEAK
mutiny rebel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A "pivotal missed opportunity" came when the hospital trust failed to act upon recommendations made by an external reviewer into her work in 2016, the report said.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

It found that the parents had not shown a likelihood of success, reasoning that mere exposure to ideas, without compulsion to affirm or act upon them, did not constitute a substantial burden on religious exercise.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2025

I will act upon them after careful evaluation and discussion with our allies.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2024

It also represented a moment in which FDR lost his unique ability to gauge the popular mood and act upon it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2024

But the new High group, unlike all its forerunners, did not act upon instinct but knew what was needed to safeguard its position.

From "1984" by George Orwell