as in to set off
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
Verb
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The operation set off a wave of civil unrest, with vehicles being torched and gunmen, believed to be supported of Oseguera, blocking highways in a more than a dozen states.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026 -
Stress, excitement or tiredness can set off an unwanted, uncontrollable volley of sudden jerky movements and/or a spew of four-letter and other words.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If the killers really were motivated by nostalgia, as Mindy suggests in her perfunctory (but mercifully brief) meta-monologue, there would be a thematic through-line to latch on to.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
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Seeing this new generation rise is deeply motivating.—
Becca Brazil,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The last one, Hell, which aired on Peacock, is an anxiety-inducing ride through a Great American Songbook reinvented entirely by Fleming’s stress dreams.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2026
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The woman ultimately gave birth without being induced, and the Illinois Supreme Court later dismissed the ACLU’s petition as moot.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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California Governor Gavin Newsom, who pushed to have the state’s film and TV tax credit program pumped up to $750 million last year, to kick start production and industry employment, has not yet spoken out on today’s big Tinseltown shifts.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2026
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Jones, 28, undoubtedly pumped up his stock the past year.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Investigators have announced no suspects or motive in the case that entered its 17th day of investigation Tuesday.—
Brian Niemietz,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Investigators have announced no suspects or motive in the case that entered its 17th day of investigation Tuesday.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The cream contains a unique NCEF formula inspired by ingredients in cosmetic injectables.—
Cathy Nelson,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
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Some way short of the 467 made by his idol Vitor Baia, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper who inspired him to wear No 99 on his back, but hefty nonetheless.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The classic black-and-white combination is energized by bold, eye-catching red accents.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
26 Feb. 2026
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The Executive Rooms have cushy beds, nice hardwood floors, spa showers, jetted tubs, a super-ergonomic office chair, and energizing views of Metcalfe Street.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
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Carriers do have contingency plans for this kind of scenario, activating reserve crews held on standby.—
Francesca Street,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 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 4 Mar. 2026.
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