sets in motion

verb

present tense third-person singular of set in motion
as in whips (up)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets in motion
  1. provokes
  2. picks
  3. incites
  4. ferments
Verb
  • Along with their organization’s missions, the pair picked horror because of the conversations the genre provokes.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Another question, says Professor Trotti at Ithaca College, is whether a public execution portrays strength or provokes horror.
    — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of provokes
Verb
  • Injuries to potential top NFL Draft picks OT Trevor Goosby and DE Colin Simmons have hurt Texas, but haven’t held it back.
    — PJ Green November 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Chicago Bears traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in a blockbuster move Thursday, sending a package that included two first-round draft picks to the Tennessee Titans.
    — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of picks
Verb
  • Every day, there’s seemingly some new report or rumor that incites the social media machine.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Definition of incites
Verb
  • Much of the menu, which is influenced by Italian and French techniques, lets farm-fresh produce shine, but Guzman also ferments her fair share of things, whether with koji or in the form of the house pickles offered as an amuse-bouche.
    — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Sourdough starter is a slow leavener that ferments the dough, which is what makes sourdough bread healthier.
    — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026
Definition of ferments
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

sets in
sets in motion
sets off
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Cite this Entry

“Sets in motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20in%20motion. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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