as in to set off
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
Verb
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As a doctor is forced to flee Aleppo with her young daughter, one desperate choice sets off a chain of events that ripples across borders and interlocking stories.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026 -
The killing drew national attention and set off a frantic five-day manhunt across the Northeast.—
Adam Reiss,
NBC news,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Knowing that the government maintains a comprehensive database of personal information could lead to self-censorship and chill free speech, particularly under an administration that at times appears motivated by retribution.—
Barbara McQuade,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
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As part of her job, Lipuo motivated her coworkers to get tested for HIV and take preventative measures to avoid infection.—
Majirata Latela,
The Dial,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Nike’s Mind franchise, featuring a mule and a sneaker with calm-inducing nodes, has come out of the gate hot by selling out wherever it’s been offered.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
12 Jan. 2026
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In a night full of pleasant surprises, tearful acceptance speeches and eye-roll-inducing moments, there was still a lot that audiences didn’t see on TV.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The hit near the Dolphins sideline pumped up several Miami defenders.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Jan. 2026
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This version of tomato salad pumps up flavorful heirloom tomatoes with strips of sweet roasted bell pepper and crunchy roasted black-eyed peas, which are the perfect little Southern croutons.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Banda declined to speak to investigators about his method or motive for the crimes, Fort Worth Fire Department Battalion Chief David Jones said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
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Authorities have released little information about a possible suspect or motive nearly a week into the investigation.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The unofficial holiday was originally inspired by an episode of Parks and Recreation back in 2010.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
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The chief storyteller behind the scenes at the B-Side Group restaurant is chef Hector González-Mora, who is leading the kitchen at the gastrocantina and mezcalería while crafting food inspired by the places where California and Mexican customs and traditions come together.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Try Mandarin and Basil or Flower Burst for a scent that’s soft yet energizing.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
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McBrearty certainly energized the host Crusaders on Wednesday night.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During this cruise phase, the team activated and tested the onboard instruments.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
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Rather than activating the olfactory nerve, the system stimulates the trigeminal nerve, a sensory pathway in the nasal cavity responsible for conveying touch, temperature, and irritation.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Jan. 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 17 Jan. 2026.
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