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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of touch off The plans have touched off stiff opposition from neighbors worried about soil erosion, already a problem in an area of steeply sloping topography, and potential well contamination. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026 That touched off speculation that perhaps a bachelorette party or some kind of pre-wedding celebration was afoot. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 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 See All Example Sentences for touch off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch off

Verb

The findings provide fresh insight into how closely human behavior influences the Earth’s subtle seismic signals, while also helping to dispel the long-standing myth that eclipses can trigger earthquakes.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The annual monsoon season frequently triggers flooding in Assam, where swollen rivers inundate large areas and displace thousands of residents each year.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

However, Daniel Palencia will pitch at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and could be activated soon, resuming his closer role.

— Greg Jewett, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
For organizations seeking meaningful ways to activate teams and elevate corporate culture, five actionable strategies can bring allyship to life well beyond a single date on the calendar.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Manganiello and O’Connor first sparked romance rumors in September 2023, and later confirmed their relationship in December that same year.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Obsession claimed Best Horror Movie and Best Actress in a Horror Movie for Inde Navarrette, who has sparked awards buzz ever since the record-breaking film first swept the box office.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Other experts say that unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving the weakness in yen, the intervention's effects are likely to be short-lived.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Both have driven over 20B minutes of viewership on streaming platforms from January through June.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

The heist goes wrong when one sister injures her back and ends up trapped on the second floor, setting off an increasingly frantic bid to get out before the homeowner comes home.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
The death of the youthful, charismatic Kennedy, leaving behind his young family, set off a wave of national mourning.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of set off

Verb

To power the thrusters, these satellites usually have some form of fuel built in.

— Julian Dossett, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026
The goal is to solve the nation’s nuclear waste disposal problems just in time to power the construction gold rush of AI data centers with a renaissance of next-generation nuclear energy.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of power

Verb

The Gemini Moon moves through your 9th House of Learning and sextiles the Leo Sun in your 11th House of Community, helping big-picture thinking connect with friends, groups, or shared goals.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Though less significant than the Strait of Hormuz, around 12% of the world’s trade, including a fourth of global container traffic, once passed through Bab el-Mandeb, moving between Europe and Asia via Egypt’s Suez Canal.

— Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026