as in triggering
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 touching off
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
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
Verb
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These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
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By 2033, the trust fund will run dry, triggering that immense, across-the-board drop that is slated to punish the most vulnerable Americans by collapsing all benefits an equal share regardless of income.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After activating his emergency lights and leaving his vehicle to assist the disabled car, officials say a passing vehicle caused another car to swerve onto the shoulder, fatally striking the man.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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The Starlink constellation has expanded dramatically in recent years, activating a milestone 10,000th satellite last week.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hall subsequently crashed the vehicle along the Southwest Freeway and attempted to flee on foot, sparking an hours-long standoff in a nearby residential area, according to the outlet.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
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Senate Republicans doubled down on their plan Friday in the final days of the legislative session, sparking confusion as competing elections proposals advance during the frenetic closing days of the 40-day session.—
Caleb Groves,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kristopher David was driving to work Wednesday morning near the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Seventh Avenue when a black Audi, traveling westbound at a high rate of speed, T-boned his white BMW.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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Wake early to catch the spectacle of sunrise before driving 30 minutes to the neighboring Santa Teresa.—
Meghan Palmer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Investors fear that the war will disrupt the Persian Gulf's energy industry for a long time, setting off a punishing wave of global inflation by keeping large amounts of oil and natural gas out of global markets.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Chavez and his aides repeatedly claimed that their critics are Communist or grower sympathizers who infiltrated the UFW before turning on it.—
Marcos Breton,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
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His comments caused a stir Wednesday from pro-Israel advocates who felt Newsom was turning on their interests.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Number 17 in the current THSB Private Large Schools rankings, Grace Prep could be moving up in that poll next week after a 4-3 victory over No 4 Fort Worth Christian earlier this week.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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With Mercury, Mars, the Sun, Saturn, and Neptune all moving through Aries this month, along with a new moon in your sign on April 17, the focus shifts decisively to your body, your appearance, and your desires.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Touching off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touching%20off. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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