TOUCH OFF Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

touch off

verb

Definition of touch off

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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of touch off The decision touched off a heated political confrontation, with calls from the opposition for Sanchez's Socialist government to resign. — ABC News, 20 June 2026 The Three Lions narrowly missed another scoring opportunity as Jude Bellingham couldn’t get the proper touch off a cross in front of the net from Noni Madueke in the 32nd minute. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026 The university prepared to wash its hands of this important part of its legacy, touching off a furious backlash. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 The race has touched off negative campaign advertisements between Feenstra and leading opponent and businessman Zach Lahn. — Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for touch off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch off

Verb

By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

When a massive Sonoma Coast residential development pitch sparked fears that beach access would be lost.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Going forward, the Breakaway/Build model might spark more giving from foundations and corporations and others that are looking to give in simple, practical ways.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Feedback will help guide future improvements for people who walk, bike, use transit and drive through the corridor.

— Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
When her husband, financier John Molner, returned home from the gym, the two drove to the campus of the Aspen Institute, where Couric was excited to hit the hot dog stand for lunch.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

In Canton, Ohio, a 46-year-old woman was shot in the back while asleep in bed after a man and others reportedly fired weapons into the air and set off fireworks to celebrate the holiday late Friday night.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Kevin Pina’s rocket set off an eruption of joy, only for Cape Verde to trail at half-time mostly because of Maximiliano Araujo, the only Uruguay attacker showing any semblance of form.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026