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
  • The verdict came just three days after regulators seized Ueno Bank, cutting nearly 3 million customers off from their savings and bank cards and setting off a political crisis.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • For Republicans, the defeat set off something close to an existential crisis, and debate over how to regroup.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of set off
Verb
  • Previous studies have found evidence that the brain’s gamma activity is significantly reduced in Alzheimer’s patients, motivating Tsai and colleagues to ask what happens when this brain rhythm is artificially restored.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This is critical because the search for Planet Nine is motivated primarily by that world’s predicted effects on the orbits of other, smaller objects in the outer solar system.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of motivate
Verb
  • As Cardsmiths tells it, the defendants have, in bad faith, tried to induce retailers to breach their contracts with Cardsmiths by threatening to sue and demanding accountings of revenue generated from Cardsmiths’ products.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Where most garage rock is designed to punch you in the gut, Twisted Teens’ songs seep into your bloodstream, tugging at the heartstrings while occasionally inducing hallucinations.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of induce
Verb
  • The new offering is the producer’s Extra Umami Hot Chili Crisp, which dials back some of the spice and pumps up the savory flavor.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Google has been pumping up its cloud revenue by making its tensor processing units for AI available outside its own facilities.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of pump up
Verb
  • Details of a suspect and motive in the case have not been released.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities had reported no arrests or motive as of Sunday evening, and investigators were still working to determine what happened.
    — Mike Stewart, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of motive
Verb
  • The idea was inspired by birds, which often hop from place to place instead of constantly flying, saving them a lot of energy.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • It’s been three years since Christine and the Queens shared his last proper solo album, a 20-song record inspired by Angels in America.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of inspire
Verb
  • Despite his long-standing presence in California politics, the modest Becerra initially struggled to energize support for his gubernatorial campaign.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Actor and rapper Common also energized the crowd to get the job done by voting for El-Sayed.
    — Julia Avant, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of energize
Verb
  • The button can also be set to mute calls or use alternate recording modes like slow motion and hyperlapse, which otherwise need to be activated with voice commands.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
  • That means having specific shades and specific products according to consumer needs across regions, as well as how the Sephora Collection brands are activated.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 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 Nov. 2026.

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