set in motion

verb

Definition of set in motionnext
as in to stir (up)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for set in motion
  1. provoke
  2. pick
  3. incite
Verb
  • The Austrian performance artist behind Seaworld Venice is having a moment, after a career spent staging productions that involve herself and which provoke strong reactions.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026
  • He was also sent off for a headbutt against an opponent who provoked him in his last ever match, which happened to be the 2006 World Cup final; his human reaction laid bare on the highest stage of all.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • The Missouri General Assembly voted to establish a fair in 1899, and were going to pick the permanent city location from a selection of finalists.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • There were moments throughout the chase in which the Wolves truly believed James would pick them, including during a flurry of conversations with his representatives leading into the Fourth of July weekend.
    — David Aldridge, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • The Church of Scientology has accused Remini of inciting violence against members of the church.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026
  • That trust begins with one of the most devastating inciting incidents in recent genre memory.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of incite
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

set in
set in motion
set off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set in motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20in%20motion. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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