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
  • Exceptionally heavy rainfall, over 43 inches of it in the Big Island’s mountains, set off landslides and flash floods that wiped out roads on the island.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The move set off a panic rush for tax and legal advice, and a scramble for cash to meet the bill.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of set off
Verb
  • The former San Diego State standout showcasing the skills that motivated the Dolphins to select him with the draft’s 27th pick.
    — Omar Kelly August 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Some will still choose academia, motivated by teaching, research or public service.
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of motivate
Verb
  • Those going into Oak Street blind should be prepared for a few gasp-inducing surprises.
    — Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Indeed, forcing a theoretical connection between credit buyers and sellers could induce inefficiencies in the name of sustainability score-maxxing.
    — Mike Feibus, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of induce
Verb
  • When showing a complex picture with many different hues next to each other, though, pumping up the output of individual LED colors can cause the edges of those hues to tint and warp.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And that’s quite clear today, as the internet is awash with advice about what to eat, wear, pump up and slim down.
    — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of pump up
Verb
  • Police still have not provided information on a suspect or motive in the shooting as their investigation continues.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Detectives have not identified a suspect or motive as of Friday afternoon.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Verb
  • The restaurant's menu is inspired by the history of Menorca, especially the period of French occupation in the 18th century, which had a significant influence on the island’s cuisine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of inspire
Verb
  • Honorable mention would go to the superfood facial, which used local uzu, pineapples and plums to plump up and energize skin.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Grid connections arrive late, chip deliveries stretch, and a gigawatt that energizes in mid-2028 instead of early 2027 takes its revenue with it.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of energize
Verb
  • Marrelli can activate off the blue line, create off the rush, has a good point shot and shows instincts to hit seams as well.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The sirens were accidentally activated by DuPage Public Safety Communications.
    — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 18 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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