TOUCH OFF Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

touch off

verb

Definition of touch off

as in to trigger

to cause to function his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts

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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 touch off The receivership touched off a painful community journey that brought on job reductions, layoffs and school closures as enrollment sharply declined. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 But on its way to him, the ball took the smallest of touches off teammate Igor Matanović. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 The order prompted the company to disable all global access to the two advanced systems and touched off intensive talks toward a resolution. — Josh Wingrove, Fortune, 27 June 2026 The plans have touched off stiff opposition from neighbors worried about soil erosion, already a problem in an area of steeply sloping topography, and potential well contamination. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for touch off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch off

Verb

Near-death experiences are frequently triggered by a life-threatening event, such as cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury or a car accident.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
This triggered a realignment within the gaming industry, and put them at odds with Nevada regulators, too.

— Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Verb

Guided Vision will be available in the system Accessibility shortcuts and can also be activated from the TalkBack menu.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
China has activated the third generating unit at the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Sichuan Province, bringing all three units in the first phase into operation.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

In the episode that sparked the backlash, Piker claimed that pro-Israel Jewish leaders conflate Jewish identity with support for Israel, and cause anger at Israel to fuel antisemitism and endanger American Jews.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The investigation was sparked after the West Side safety net hospital came under fire for improperly doling out COVID-19 vaccinations soon after the shots became available.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of spark

Verb

Bonnell also uses a belt drive as standard equipment for quieter, lower-maintenance operation, with an optional 520 chain conversion available for riders who prefer a more traditional setup.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Ronaldinho drove Madonna onto the field at half-time of the World Cup final in a weird little buggy thing.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Verb

Ohtani threw about 20 pitches in a bullpen session Friday and wasn’t 100%, and that set off alarm bells with the Dodgers’ bosses.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Whether your fall plans include low-key weekends at home, jet-setting off on vacation, or spending long days in the office, a pair of well-fitting, comfortable pants is the fashion staple that can do it all.

— Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of set off

Verb

Roman then opened its array of solar panels and sunshades, which power the craft and keep its sensitive instruments cool.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The tiny chargers that power our phones have a secret weapon known as gallium nitride (GaN).

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of power

Verb

The Moon in Pisces moves through your 6th House of Work, Health, and Daily Routines while making an awkward angle to Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Acceptance moves you out of frustration and into a place of proactivity.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026