TOUCHES OFF Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

touches off

verb

present tense third-person singular of touch off

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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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 touches off But on its way to him, the ball took the smallest of touches off teammate Igor Matanović. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touches off

Verb

Regardless of what triggers the growth, managing it well takes leadership discipline.

— Richard Neal, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
This phenomenon, the study notes, triggers the formation of tiny, slushy ice crystals known as frazil ice that then quickly builds up and clogs the pathway.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

Tirzepatide, sold as Zepbound and Mounjaro, activates GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2026
The Marine Rain Massage is an immersive treatment that releases muscle tension, calms the nervous system, and activates circulation.

— Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

Under the proposal, a commuter who drives on I-90 from Barrington to work downtown and back 50 weeks a year would be charged $950 in 2027, up from $600 this year.

— Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
That Treasury bond specifically drives the direction of consumer lending rates, such as for mortgages, credit cards and personal loans.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of drives

Verb

Researchers are adapting the magnetron—the same component that powers microwave ovens—to provide the 10 megawatts of power required for ADS.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026
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.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Definition of powers

Verb

Pitch a idea for a team huddle, and let your expressive style set a cooperative tone that moves decisions forward.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
The judge’s order paused the rollout of the surcharge on high-value second homes in the city while a lawsuit brought by a group of homeowners moves forward.

— Katherine Koretski, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of moves

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touches down

touches off

touches (on)

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“Touches off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touches%20off. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of touches off

verb

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