as in triggers
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 Synonyms for touches off
Verb
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Mamdani triggers emergency plan for heat On Monday, June 29, the mayor's office announced the activation of a Heat Emergency plan, preparing cooling centers across the city, alongside other options for New Yorkers stuck outside.
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Destruction of mammalian tissues typically triggers a complex mix of responses from the immune and repair systems.
Verb
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The study identified phytic acid as one trigger that activates it.
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Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home.
Verb
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Pizza is the kind of food that sparks arguments, and Charlotte now has enough quality slices to fuel a few.
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The score matters less than the conversations each prompt sparks.
Verb
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What drives so many people to 1) use racial slurs, then 2) go on Love Island USA?
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This sector, focusing on vessels over 30 meters, drives manufacturing, skilled employment, and tourism.
Verb
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Researchers are adapting the magnetron—the same component that powers microwave ovens—to provide the 10 megawatts of power required for ADS.
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How Wisconsin's solar battery park powers 130,000 homes The Paris Solar farm began producing power in December 2024 and generates 200 megawatts of renewable electricity during the day.
Verb
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Jessie, with the help of Woody and Buzz, sets off to help Bonnie make some real-world friends.
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After a period devoted to motherhood, Agus sets off for a long yearned-for trip to Japan with dear friend Loly.
Verb
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Your mind takes you on an adventure as Jupiter moves into Leo today.
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This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Cite this Entry
“Touches off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touches%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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