as in to set off
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
Verb
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In a video about an erratic Uber driver, a recognizable dynamic—awkward small talk, impatience to set off—escalates into a life-threatening one.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026 -
Her threatening remarks set off a criminal investigation and national security concerns.—
Jim Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The shooting motivated Manny to fight to get guns taken away from domestic abusers.—
Michele Youngerman,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
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Schreiber is being charged with simple assault, and assault motivated by religious hostility.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Mejia got Trea Turner to fly out to right, struck out dangerous slugger Kyle Schwarber, and induced Bryce Harper to ground out to second baseman Edouard Julien to secure his second save of the season.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
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In the fifth inning, Alex Vesia relieved Sheehan and induced a two-on, two-out fly out from Matt Olson, who might be the National League’s most valuable player to date.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Council Speaker Julie Menin is on the right path to pumping up Fair Fares by increasing the income threshold to participate, making enrollment automatic and even eliminating the fare entirely for some folks.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
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To that, the verbose CEO pumped up HBO and streamer HBO Max as the real crown jewels in the WBD empire.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Investigators have not released details of a suspect or motive for the gunfire.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Apr. 2026
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Officials emphasized that while a suspect is now in custody, the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the killings.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While Kendrick Lamar was conquering the hip-hop world, Rashad was honing an introspective style inspired by Southern hip-hop pioneers like Lil Wayne and OutKast.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
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And, if bright white pants aren’t your thing, keep reading for off-white styles inspired by Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Critics, including some Republicans, argued the move risked energizing Democratic turnout and could weaken Republican incumbents in suburban districts.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2026
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Today’s moon in Aries energizes your communication sector, making conversations blunt, brutally frank and emotionally charged.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Tonight the Aries Moon activates ambition, and a decision about visibility or leadership may suddenly feel obvious.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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But mostly, the Sparks’ defense activated, forcing 10 Las Vegas turnovers, led by two steals apiece from Atkins and Wheeler to fuel the comeback.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 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 15 May. 2026.
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