as in to trigger
to cause to function
his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts
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Recent Examples of touch off
This includes soaring gas prices at the pump, seesawing stock markets, rising food and fertilizer prices, higher shipping-insurance costs, and fuel shortages that have touched off violence, work stoppages, and profiteering in parts of Asia and Africa.
—
Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
Her announcement touched off a new round of progressive candidates backing away from the Iron Dome.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
The movie touched off nationwide controversy when it was first released because of the real-world violence that seemed to follow in its wake.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
With two minutes left in the period, Parayko ran Yurov into the boards from behind, touching off a fight between the Blues’ defenseman and Trenin.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for touch off
Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
Her announcement touched off a new round of progressive candidates backing away from the Iron Dome.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
The movie touched off nationwide controversy when it was first released because of the real-world violence that seemed to follow in its wake.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
With two minutes left in the period, Parayko ran Yurov into the boards from behind, touching off a fight between the Blues’ defenseman and Trenin.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for touch off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch off
Verb
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West, a former junior Foreign Office minister, would need support from 20% of Labour MPs — or 81 members — to trigger a contest.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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In 1992, a buildup of methane gas and coal dust triggered a massive explosion in the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia, Canada, killing 26 coal miners.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 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
Verb
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His goal sparked wild celebrations inside St Mary’s, none more so than in the press box, where Southampton’s analysts, doing the opposite of keeping a low profile amid the allegations levelled at the club, were enthusiastically bouncing around.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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No Mow May sparks conversations about bee conservation.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2026
Verb
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For instance, researchers found that rapid urbanization and electrification across Asia drove brightening in cities from China to India to Sub-Saharan Africa.—
Bree Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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The novel starts out on a highway, in a car that’s driving too fast.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
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
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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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Our rate structure applies to all large-load customers that rely on significant and continuous electricity use to power their operations around the clock, including data centers.—
Scott Bores,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
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The comedian-heavy ensemble, who are doing press at the festival, will help power this family-friendly film to buyer interest.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
11 May 2026
Verb
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There is still work to do; however, current congressional leadership has moved us in the right direction.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
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Before the vote, loud boos resounded as House Republicans arrived and moved through a crowd of protesters from the elevator to the House chamber.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Touch off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch%20off. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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