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

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 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
  1. triggers
  2. activates
  3. sparks
  4. drives
  5. powers
  6. sets off
  7. moves
Verb
  • Presentation of the key, combined with the device already being signed in to the user’s Google account, triggers the Google server to present an authentication assertion to the site the user wants to log in to.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In short, by calling 911, that usually triggers a law enforcement response.
    — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of triggers
Verb
  • Founded by Gracia Walker and Benjamin Silver, Broc Shot centers on sulforaphane, a compound derived from broccoli seed that activates the NRF2 pathway, part of the body’s natural defense system.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Pinching and holding both buds at the same time activates a new Audio Snapshot mode that records phone call audio or incoming sound and syncs it to the Nothing X app.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of activates
Verb
  • On March 16, 2025, sparks from indoor fireworks hit the ceiling of the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The event also sparks discussion about potential upsets, given recent surprising results in the sport.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sparks
Verb
  • Locarno Pro itself drives to identify opportunities during good times and industry malaise.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The longtime Disney executive had most recently served as chairman of Disney Experiences, the unit that includes the theme parks, cruise lines and consumer products, and which drives profitability for the company.
    — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 14 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
  • The idea that the relationship was ending sets off alarm bells for experts like Nikki Engel, who serves as the co-executive director of Violence Free Minnesota.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Southeast Asian nation sits on the Ring of Fire, a band around the Pacific Ocean that sets off frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sets off
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

Browse Nearby Words

touches down
touches off
touches (on)
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Cite this Entry

“Touches off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touches%20off. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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