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

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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 touched off 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 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 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Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 McBride, the Commodores, Morris Day & the Time and Young MC have all either withdrawn or publicly denied participation after the lineup reveal touched off immediate backlash. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touched off
  1. activated
  2. triggered
  3. sparked
  4. set off
  5. drove
Verb
  • Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Ramírez did not go on a minor league rehab assignment before being activated.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of activated
Verb
  • After that, a permanent deal could be triggered and Villa could sign Garnacho outright and see no negative impact on the Rogers profit.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The blast triggered by a buildup of methane gas tore through the tunnel Monday at the 500-megawatt Teesta Hydroelectric Project in northeastern Sikkim state in the Himalayas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of triggered
Verb
  • At the same time, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s vast economic reforms sparked high inflation after fuel subsidies were removed three years ago and the currency was devalued.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • His goal sparked an offensive assault from Boise as Portland sank into a deep defensive mould, with five defenders and four midfielders sitting tight in their own box.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026
Definition of sparked
Verb
  • The move quickly set off a firestorm, with immigration rights advocates accusing DOJ of trying to malign a dead man.
    — Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Australia’s bold law set off a chain of responses around the world and across the industry.
    — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026
Definition of set off
Verb
  • But the Seoul High Court ruled that the shares should be valued at the date that the appellate court concluded its hearing in 2024, before AI drove prices up fivefold.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Garcia drove into Elk Grove, where he was chased by multiple law enforcement patrol cars and helicopters, according to the DA’s Office.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of drove

Browse Nearby Words

touched down
touched off
touched (on)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Touched off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touched%20off. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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