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
  • One of its major objectives was to provoke Western states into attacking their own democracies, in a kind of auto-immune response to terrorism, in which the effort to defend the political body corroded it from within.
    — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The development provokes a leadership shake-up on both committees, prompting speculation on who will fill the spots when the next Congress opens in January.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • By halftime, Clemson had as many first downs (1) as starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina had pick sixes.
    — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • While voters elsewhere have embraced a decidedly anti-establishment sentiment this campaign season, New Hampshire Republican voters appear content with their choices and are poised to pick a familiar name over a fresh face on Tuesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Suddenly, the humble farmer has incited a countrywide uprising.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Concern about Russian attempts to divide the EU Spain publicly has accused Russia, along with Israel, of using disinformation to incite migrants to cross from Morocco into its Ceuta exclave in northern Africa.
    — Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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