set in motion

verb

Definition of set in motionnext
as in to stir (up)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for set in motion
  1. provoke
  2. pick
  3. incite
Verb
  • Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Jason Melara, Taylor and Johnson not only with his murder, but also the killing of Mario Melara under the theory that his death was provoked by the armed robbery of Aguilar.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Collina said that such allegations could provoke threats against referees and their families.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • And his ability to lead — as a former catcher — also carried a lot of weight in the team’s decision to pick him sixth overall.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Because of that, Barça could pick him up for a bargain €22 million plus €7 million ($25 million plus $8 million) more in variables.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Whatever its international echoes, the exhibition incited local responses by far-right entities.
    — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026
  • Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of incite
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

set in
set in motion
set off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set in motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20in%20motion. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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