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 irony is that the extended support induced reversal comes just after Windows 11 finally achieved its market milestone.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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And with Trump making concession after concession, Beijing may want to consolidate its recent gains and aim even higher, perhaps inducing Trump to make further compromises over tariffs, export controls, and Taiwan.—
Scott Kennedy,
Time,
16 Aug. 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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The multiplatinum Los Angeles outfit was founded in 2010 by guitarist and lead vocalist Ben Schneider, who hails from Okemos and attended the University of Michigan; the band’s name is inspired by Lake Huron.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The smells that inspire the fragrance mastermind at Hermès By Linda Wells Photo-Illustration: Chop Choppish Shop Read On Machine-Head Slumber Party New cutting-edge earbuds block noise and lull you to sleep.—
Jeanne Malle,
Air Mail,
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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About 800 National Guard troops are being activated, with Humvees parked along the Washington Monument and near Union Station.—
John Seewer,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
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This will cover your initial wager to activate your preferred offer with bet365.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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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