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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching off
Verb
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The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025 -
Using optogenetics, a technique that enables scientists to manipulate neural activity with light-sensitive proteins, the researchers found that activating oxytocin-responsive neurons encouraged rescue behavior even among unfamiliar mice.—
Discover Magazine,
Discover Magazine,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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During the coronavirus pandemic, Americans faced economic hardship and instability, sparking the federal government to send out several rounds of stimulus checks.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
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View 12 Images View gallery - 12 images In June 1974, the offices of the Summa Corporation in LA were broken into, sparking the revelation of one of the oddest and boldest stories in the history of espionage.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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So what’s driving the need for these changes?—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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By forcing his posts to the top of feeds, elevating like-minded voices, and driving critics off the platform, Musk revealed the raw power of ownership.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
14 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Touching off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching%20off. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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