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
  • The same principle applies to debates about religion, economics and virtually any subject capable of provoking strong emotions.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Fortunately, the fake tip didn’t provoke any further actions from the PPD, and was reportedly flagged as spam after being picked up by its safeguards.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • The broadcaster and champion of the high street, who transformed the fortunes of Harvey Nichols, picks her favourites.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While the three were picking their way through a clump of trees at the far end of the cornfield, half a dozen does came out of the willows single file, walked under my platform within six yards of me, and started to feed.
    — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Skillful organizers who belonged to the Communist Party incited mass movements during the 1930s and World War II.
    — Michael Kazin, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The country that prided itself on being an oasis of democracy in the Middle East had replaced freedom of expression with the unfettered right to incite vengeance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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