touching off

present participle of touch off

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 Williams said, touching off laughter. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touching off
Verb
  • The man said no, triggering a mistrial on the rape count.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Through perseverance, the seed discovers the power of her roots, triggering a revolution that transforms her world and fulfills her dreams in an unexpected way.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maduro has categorically denied the allegations and has signed a decree activating a state of emergency in the event of foreign aggression.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Outsourcing the job to non-state actors allows aggressors to avoid activating the terms that trigger action in security alliances, making the reputational damage of inaction by the security guarantor much lower.
    Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In July 2025, more than 200 farmworkers were detained during a mass ICE raid in Camarillo, California, where one worker died in custody, sparking protests and federal review.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The conversation quickly went viral, sparking debate over whether Newton’s request was reasonable or invasive.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Avoid driving during those conditions if possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On Thursday, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and on a marketplace in eastern Afghanistan, according to Pakistani security officials and the Taliban, setting off retaliatory attacks by the Taliban.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The film begins with the title character having an epiphany and setting off on a journey to Italy with his manager (Sandler) and his long-suffering publicist (Laura Dern) in tow.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 38-year-old woman now held at Sacramento County Main Jail, allegedly struck her husband with a vacuum cord before turning on her 10-year-old, beating the child with a metal pole.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The game could be categorized as a slugfest that showed both teams matching punch for punch, with Bishop Feehan (3-1) turning on the gas late and pulling away for the victory.
    Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Players are moving around, not pointing fingers at others and are taking accountability.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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