touching off

verb

present participle of touch off
as in triggering
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 touching off The university prepared to wash its hands of this important part of its legacy, touching off a furious backlash. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 With two minutes left in the period, Parayko ran Yurov into the boards from behind, touching off a fight between the Blues’ defenseman and Trenin. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026 Then suddenly, one set charged the other, touching off yearslong bloodshed that researchers are comparing to a human civil war. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026 Auriemma’s, UConn’s Hall-of-Fame women’s basketball coach, had an uncharacteristic melt-down during and after his team lost to South Carolina, 62-48, in the semifinals, touching off a shouting match with Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 Last month, the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s editor wrote that a recent job applicant withdrew from consideration for a reporting fellowship after discovering the position included filing notes to an AI writing tool instead of actually writing stories, touching off a heated debate in media circles. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026 Shortly after Goularte got into their pickup truck in Morgan Hill, authorities say, Velasquez shot at him, touching off an 11-mile high-speed car chase through the city that ended near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue on the southern reaches of San Jose. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026 The Facebook post has been viewed more than 140,000 times, touching off hundreds of comments over driver responsibility and technology. — David R. Smith, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 Williams said, touching off laughter. — Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching off
  1. triggering
  2. activating
  3. sparking
  4. driving
  5. setting off
  6. turning on
  7. moving
Verb
  • The visit contrasts with the approach by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose government publicly criticized Saudi Arabia’s human rights record in 2018, triggering a diplomatic rift that lasted five years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • The closure of the strait dragged on for months, triggering the biggest supply disruption in history.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 9 July 2026
Definition of triggering
Verb
  • And speaking of fares, while activating the rear door OMNY readers will provide for somewhat faster boarding, the MTA made a big mistake in getting rid of the off-board fare payments that were used for Select Bus Service.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
  • By activating these receptors, the peptide can increase melanin production and thus make skin look more tan.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 July 2026
Definition of activating
Verb
  • Emergency measures are working to stabilize an under-construction, high-rise building in Midtown Manhattan after its two support columns buckled, sparking concerns of a partial collapse, officials said.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Both films premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, with The Invite sparking a major bidding war; it was eventually picked up by A24 for $12 million.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2026
Definition of sparking
Verb
  • Rodríguez Castro can be seen wearing a New York Yankees shirt, moving suggestively to driving percussive beats, punctuated by catchy, syncopated vocals.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Definition of driving
Verb
  • Many accounts were opted in by default, making their public photos available to the tool and setting off alarm in the entertainment industry.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of setting off
Verb
  • Letting the temperature rise slightly during the day means the system isn't turning on and off rapidly all afternoon.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
  • Sokolowski also recommends wearing rubber or nitrile gloves to prevent skin irritation, and opening windows or turning on a kitchen exhaust fan before, during, and for a bit after cleaning.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026
Definition of turning on
Verb
  • Still, as the game wore on to the waning moments, both teams were visibly sapped of energy and moving at a slower pace, including Haaland, who faded late in the game, was subbed out at the 105-minute mark and replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026
Definition of moving

Browse Nearby Words

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

Cite this Entry

“Touching off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching%20off. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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