trigger 1 of 2

verb

Definition of triggernext
as in to activate
to cause to function mold triggers my allergies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trigger

2 of 2

noun

1
as in stimulus

Related Words
2
as in alarm

Related Words

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 trigger
Verb
Eating triggers saliva production, but a stone can keep the saliva from draining, causing the gland to swell. — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Several endocrinologists who spoke to Parade said drinking coffee before breakfast can trigger a deep energy dip by noon. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
Yes, the trigger for the protests in July was education, but, as most observers noticed, the education question was the operating concern for only a minority of the protesters. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026 Only a handful of apps are supported, and even those trigger inconsistently. — Dominic Preston, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trigger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trigger
  1. activate
  2. stimulus
  3. alarm
  4. spark
  5. catalyst
  6. drive
  7. impetus
  8. generator
Verb
  • Two letters redirect actions MuTRAP is a backdoor attack, also known as a Trojan attack, in which malicious behavior is embedded in a model and activated only when a specific trigger appears.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Ukraine received no warning from its partners ahead of the first wave of attacks, and information about a second wave arrived too late for air raid sirens to be activated in time, air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on national television.
    — SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Visual stimuli produced more activity in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Biggs, the Republican nominee to lead the state, accuses the Democratic incumbent of sowing unnecessary alarm.
    — Hannah Knowles The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Firefighters on Saturday evening continued battling a four-alarm fire at a Staten Island warehouse, the FDNY said.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of alarm
Verb
  • The news that Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts has a likely season-ending injury of blood clots has sparked questions about how the condition developed in one of the NFL's top quarterbacks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In 2023, a series of regional bank failures sparked concerns that rising interest rates were ushering in a widespread crisis.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • As his recent roles suggest, he is better served performing the catalyst or the antagonist.
    — Henry Alford, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • This catalyst splits paired hydrogen molecules into highly reactive individual hydrogen atoms.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of catalyst
Verb
  • Zuckerberg and Wang want Muse Wonder and the more powerful Muse Wonder Full to drive Muse, Meta’s personal AI agent, which can act on people’s behalf.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • To help banish the endless procrastination, National Geographic’s 2027 list of 25 must-visit destinations for the year ahead is one of its most timely and experience-driven recommendations yet.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • The impetus for Whalefall came from a viral video in which a kayaker ended up in the mouth of a whale.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Westlake coach Rick Clausen said his team’s game at Ventura High remains on because the school has generators if power is cut off.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Data centers and trading floors run backup generators and failover sites because their businesses can’t stop when the power does.
    — Ciaran Cosgrave, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of generator

Browse Nearby Words

trig
trigger
triggered
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Cite this Entry

“Trigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trigger. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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