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
  • This year's Ig Nobel Prizes — which are awarded for humorous, yet thought-provoking research — have been announced, but not on their home turf.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The insinuations of business hucksterism are one thing that could provoke him, more intimate details are another.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • By halftime, Clemson had as many first downs (1) as starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina had pick sixes.
    — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • While voters elsewhere have embraced a decidedly anti-establishment sentiment this campaign season, New Hampshire Republican voters appear content with their choices and are poised to pick a familiar name over a fresh face on Tuesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Suddenly, the humble farmer has incited a countrywide uprising.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Concern about Russian attempts to divide the EU Spain publicly has accused Russia, along with Israel, of using disinformation to incite migrants to cross from Morocco into its Ceuta exclave in northern Africa.
    — Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 2026.

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