key (up)

verb

Definition of key (up)next
as in to set off

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
  1. set off
  2. motivate
  3. induce
  4. pump up
  5. motive
  6. inspire
  7. energize
  8. activate
Verb
  • Suspicions of state corruption in infrastructure projects two years ago set off a wave of street protests after a collapsed canopy at a train station in Serbia's north killed 16 people after a renovation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Guichard Doré, a former adviser to President Jovenel Moïse, whose assassination in 2021 set off the current gang crisis, said Haitians are reaching a breaking point.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of set off
Verb
  • In an interview and written response, Benson said researchers who take funding from oil companies are motivated not by corporate agendas, but by genuine interest in the work.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Like O’Brien Duzan, she was motivated by voucher opposition when entering the race, as well as better funding for public schools.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivate
Verb
  • In many of the later versions, Sita remains safe within the boundary, and Ravana succeeds in abducting her only after inducing her to cross it.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Tipp alleges Sanders and his representatives fraudulently induced him to surrender his rights through a retroactive work-for-hire agreement shortly after Sanders became CU’s head coach in December 2022.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of induce
Verb
  • Gas purchases pump up retail sales A separate report from the Commerce Department Thursday showed that Americans slowed their spending in September.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But when the sun peeked out, Michael’s dad Lee Phillips decided to pump up the pumpkin, complete with its classic black triangular eyes and a lopsided grin.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pump up
Verb
  • Details of a suspect and motive in the case have not been released.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities had reported no arrests or motive as of Sunday evening, and investigators were still working to determine what happened.
    — Mike Stewart, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of motive
Verb
  • The sweat beads from the worried Republicans in Arkansas this election cycle are Democrat-inspired.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of inspire
Verb
  • Ghostly blue clouds of ionized hydrogen gas (H II) glow in the center of the image, having been energized by the ultraviolet radiation pouring out from nearby stars, whose winds helped create the chaotic structure of the vast stellar nursery.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The piece suggests the ad was aimed less at persuading undecided voters than at energizing the Republican base.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of energize
Verb
  • National groups such as Indivisible and MoveOn are activating their own expansive networks.
    — STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Simply activate the offer and earn rewards on related spending.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of activate
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.

Browse Nearby Words

keys (up)
key (up)
khan
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Cite this Entry

“Key (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key%20%28up%29. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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