as in to set off
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
Verb
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That impulsive rescue set off a chain reaction that would change everything.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025 -
The rumble of the engines set off car alarms in the distance as ULA opened up its national security account for Vulcan, making only its third ever launch after flying two certification flights in 2024.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The children died in June 2023 in what prosecutors described as an eruption of violence motivated by fear of losing them to their father, Nathan John, according to the BBC, who survived the attack.—
Christina Coulter,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Party figures fear the controversy could motivate somebody else to jump in the Democratic primary and drag Jolly into a costly intraparty battle before the 2026 general elections happen.—
Miami Herald Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The review also noted that facial muscle exercises repeatedly fold the skin, which may induce or aggravate wrinkles rather than reduce them.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
1 Aug. 2025
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Transgender women usually take antiandrogens with estrogen (or castration) to reduce the effects of androgens such as testosterone and induce feminization.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 July 2025
Verb
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The gel texture lends a nice, refreshing feel that plumps and pumps up the moisture without feeling overly occlusive—as a result, your skin will look less red/irritated, and your shine will be under control.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
30 July 2025
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Why get ‘trompe l’oeil’ bangs? Long and short bangs have been top of the hair style trends and a regular request from those in the hair salon chair for quite some time now: Side fringes of the early ’00s, baby bangs a la Emma Stone, and pumped up hair with big bangs to match by way of Keke Palmer.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
23 July 2025
Verb
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But the shooting death of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson last December, which prosecutors allege was carried out by a gunman who was motived by insurance denials, unleashed a groundswell of public criticism of health insurers’ practices.—
Bertha Coombs,
CNBC,
28 July 2025
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Among those who wanted to know what motived Kohberger's attack were the families of the four victims, the judge overseeing the case and President Donald Trump.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Ray Wylie Hubbard, who inspired the song, adds his voice to a verse.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
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The venue will offer live music, a used vinyl boutique, and a menu inspired by the neighborhood's Polish and Italian heritage.—
Sofia Joseph,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Luddington even stopped working out, which usually energized her, in case that was the culprit.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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August begins with Mars’ debut in Libra, energizing your bossy 10th house of authority, career and reputation in the world, prompting you to focus on your professional life and public image, which leaves little time for romance.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Pro Bowl linebacker was finally activated from the physically unable to perform list last Sunday after 11 months of rehabbing and trying to get back on the practice field.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
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The fire alarm at Lowe’s was activated after an employee spotted the fire, according to the Milford Fire Department.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
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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 20 Aug. 2025.
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