as in to trigger
to cause to function
his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of touch off
Their disappearance was not noticed for several hours and touched off a massive, more than weeklong manhunt.
—
Jack Moore, ABC News, 26 May 2025
And that is touching off intense anger among progressive politicians and the local environmental community.
—Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
But even before the pandemic touched off this current period of upheaval, businesses' technical skill requirements were already rapidly evolving.
—Elaine Pulakos, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Another missile hit a fuel refinery in the coastal city of Haifa, touching off a huge blaze.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for touch off
Jack Moore, ABC News, 26 May 2025
And that is touching off intense anger among progressive politicians and the local environmental community.
—Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
But even before the pandemic touched off this current period of upheaval, businesses' technical skill requirements were already rapidly evolving.
—Elaine Pulakos, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Another missile hit a fuel refinery in the coastal city of Haifa, touching off a huge blaze.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for touch off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch off
Verb
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In fact, Patrick's frustration with former Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, over vouchers and the House's decision to bring 20 impeachment charges against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023 were triggering factors in setting up the speaker's race ahead of the start of session.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The conflict has triggered massive displacement, with 325,000 Palestinians in Gaza displaced since mid-May, according to the IPC report.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Leo activates your solar 10th house, urging bold moves, leadership, and visibility.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
24 July 2025
-
Houck’s rehab assignment was due to expire last week, but rather than activate or option the right-hander, the Red Sox returned him to the injured list.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
22 July 2025
Verb
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The incident sparked many online and offline conversations and memes.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
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This radical lifestyle shift sparked a DIY renaissance.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 July 2025
Verb
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That in turn drove low wages for workers, high staff turnover and limited capacity for children.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
26 July 2025
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Top-of-funnel marketing drives awareness that manifests through other channels.—
Cody Greco,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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But its interest would set off a free-for-all among large railroads and pose a test of the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for industrial consolidation.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
21 July 2025
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Holmes had set off tear gas grenades and indiscriminately shot people using multiple firearms.—
AZCentral.com,
AZCentral.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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The vouchers will be powered by donations that individuals can make to what's known as a scholarship granting organization — in exchange for an unprecedented dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.—
The Tennessean,
The Tennessean,
31 July 2025
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This technology powers Waymo’s ride-hailing service, allowing passengers to take trips without a human behind the wheel.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Residents of several communities were ordered to move inland to higher ground.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
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If practice is canceled or moved indoors due to the weather, paid ticket days will be provided with a makeup date, not a refund.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Touch off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch%20off. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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