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
  • Authorities said in July that income and gains from overseas trusts owned by Chinese tax residents would be taxed at 20%, setting off a scramble for cash and alternative structures.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As Prue and Curtis struggle to unravel the twisty lore of the obstacle-laden forest in their search for Mac, their outsider presence inadvertently sets off a long-festering showdown for control of the forest between its warring factions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of set off
Verb
  • To be sure, the exiting attorneys were motivated to depart by a range of reasons.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Some recent studies have highlighted addiction problems, and some organizations have raised alarm bells that the rise in youth gambling is a public health crisis, which has motivated policymakers to propose legislation to regulate sports betting.
    — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivate
Verb
  • Mattresses and linens are unsurprisingly comfortable—the Langham’s bedding has, after all, become synonymous with inducing deep slumbers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Gaps where electrons can sit, called holes, can also induce superconductivity at not-so-cold temperatures, just in a slightly different way.
    — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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