set in motion

verb

Definition of set in motionnext
as in to stir (up)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for set in motion
  1. provoke
  2. pick
  3. incite
Verb
  • Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support.
    — Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • The engaged couple from Orlando, Florida, pick a different city to visit each Fourth of July.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Bellinger and Schlittler were selected by their fellow players, while Rice was picked by Major League Baseball.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Another wrinkle of the law has incited ample speculation about Marshall, Kansas’ junior Republican senator, who is facing his first reelection bid this fall.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Staff members of the satirical magazine Leman are on trial on charges of inciting hatred over a cartoon published last year that features the Prophet Mohammed and Moses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of incite
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

set in
set in motion
set off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set in motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20in%20motion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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