key (up)

verb

Definition of key (up)next
as in to set off

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
  1. set off
  2. motivate
  3. induce
  4. pump up
  5. motive
  6. inspire
  7. energize
  8. activate
Verb
  • Then a bad pit stop set off a sequence of events that cost him dearly.
    — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Nationwide, investments in computing power sparked by the new technology of artificial intelligence have set off a commercial land rush, sending property values soaring in unlikely and out-of-the-way places.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of set off
Verb
  • What remains disputed is whether those beliefs motivated the Tate-LaBianca murders or whether, as Berlinger argues, prosecutors elevated them into the central theory of their case.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Another official argument is that terrorism generally involves political or ideological aims, while cartels are primarily motivated by profit.
    — María Verza, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of motivate
Verb
  • Cole Burston / Getty Images With so many clubs still in the mix, even scoreboard watching can induce a headache.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The syndrome, induced by tick bites, can cause dangerous allergic reactions to red meat.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of induce
Verb
  • When showing a complex picture with many different hues next to each other, though, pumping up the output of individual LED colors can cause the edges of those hues to tint and warp.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And that’s quite clear today, as the internet is awash with advice about what to eat, wear, pump up and slim down.
    — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of pump up
Verb
  • Neither man has offered an explanation or motive behind the violent stop.
    — Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Police still have not provided information on a suspect or motive in the shooting as their investigation continues.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Verb
  • Chelsea, despite missing out on a late move for Lamine Camara, and Tottenham have improved considerably, but that is more a reflection of previous dysfunction — and a lighter schedule — than inspired recruitment.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The museum plaza’s sweeping bridge creates a canopy of welcoming shade (inspired by Expo Park’s own trees), which the city — particularly this part — desperately needs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of inspire
Verb
  • The Associated Press HONG KONG -- Chinese markets are booming with new public stock offerings, energized by the craze for artificial intelligence and other advanced technology and a growing preference to list shares in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Montreal was in 14th place in the East but had been energized by the arrival of Chilean star Alexis Sanchez.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of energize
Verb
  • Guided Vision will be available in the system Accessibility shortcuts and can also be activated from the TalkBack menu.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
  • China has activated the third generating unit at the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Sichuan Province, bringing all three units in the first phase into operation.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of activate
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

keys (up)
key (up)
khan
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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 8 Sep. 2026.

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