as in to set off
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
Verb
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Guthrie’s disappearance set off a desperate search involving state and federal law enforcement agencies.—
Tom Winter,
NBC news,
10 Feb. 2026 -
That set off an 18-4 run that was capped by another 3 by Avdija to make it 82-69.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Two days after Jamarrien Monroe and his 5-year-old cousin were killed, police arrested Tyreion Nixon-Clark in connection with an unrelated homicide motivated by robbery in which the suspect arranged a meeting that the victim thought was to be a rifle sale, authorities said.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Feb. 2026
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There are motivating factors at play that make DiGregorio and Haugsjaa continue this treacherous and invigorating pursuit.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The nostalgia-inducing collegiate theme was woven throughout the decor, with nods to pep rally culture everywhere.—
Cassie Gill,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2026
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Just imagining layers upon layers of cushy foam (give or take a plush pillowtop cover) is soothing enough to induce sleep.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The arena announcer further pumps up the audience.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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Fizzy drinks, items sweetened with sugar alcohols, and booze can all pump up gas production too.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
SELF,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Banda declined to speak to investigators about his method or motive for the crimes, Fort Worth Fire Department Battalion Chief David Jones said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
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Authorities have released little information about a possible suspect or motive nearly a week into the investigation.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While it was made in the ‘90s, the collection (which showed slip dresses, shirts with undulating ruffles, and jacquard silk jackets constructed to look permanently burst-open) was inspired by the romance between Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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The work was inspired by cephalopods such as octopuses, which can rapidly alter their skin’s appearance and texture to blend into their surroundings or communicate.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Today’s Mercury-Uranus square energizes your money zone and your 5th House of Temptations, pinging you back and forth between budget plans and spontaneous delights.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
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As a 10-time world champion who’s entering her fifth, and final, Winter Olympics, American hockey star Hilary Knight, 35, has played a key role in energizing one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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She was accused on Monday of having accidentally activated a website for a future campaign to lead the Labour Party.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
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The consultancy has a role in advising, managing, activating and measuring more than $5 billion in client partnerships across sports, entertainment, gaming and corporate social responsibility.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Key (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key%20%28up%29. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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