Synonyms of touched off

touched off

verb

past tense of touch off

as in activated

to cause to function

his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• activated
• triggered
• sparked
• set off
• drove
• moved
• powered
• turned on
• generated
• cranked (up)
• started
• fueled
• actuated
• ignited
• provoked
• charged
• pushed
• ran
• turned over
• fired
• electrified
• kicked over
• launched
• stimulated
• released
• switched
• stepped up
• energized
• stirred up
• discharged
• sped (up)
• excited
• reactivated
• tripped
• accelerated
• aroused
• recharged
• incited
• instigated
• quickened
• catalyzed
• vitalized
• jump-started
• kick-started

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shut off
• cut out
• turned off
• killed
• cut
• cut off
• stopped
• checked
• stuck
• arrested
• drew up
• halted
• jammed
• stalled
• deactivated
• suppressed
• slowed
• stunted
• repressed
• braked
• decelerated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of touched off

Meanwhile, an electric color palette of zingy greens, bold reds, and Prussian blues–touched off with plenty of black accents–amplifies the property’s wildly original juxtaposition of antiquity and modernity. — Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The still-unknown circumstances around Wells’ death have touched off rampant online speculation and prompted calls from Black leaders for transparency from local authorities. — ABC News, 21 July 2026

The receivership touched off a painful community journey that brought on job reductions, layoffs and school closures as enrollment sharply declined. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

The order prompted the company to disable all global access to the two advanced systems and touched off intensive talks toward a resolution. — Josh Wingrove, Fortune, 27 June 2026

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 race has touched off negative campaign advertisements between Feenstra and leading opponent and businessman Zach Lahn. — Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 2 June 2026

In 1971, Nixon replaced Martin with a distinguished economist, Arthur Burns, whose policies touched off the great inflation. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026