TRIGGER Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

trigger 1 of 2

verb

Definition of trigger

as in to activate

to cause to function mold triggers my allergies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trigger

2 of 2

noun

as in stimulus

Related Words

as in alarm

Related Words

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 trigger

Verb

Potatoes do best between 45°F and 50°F, cooler than room temperature but not cold enough to trigger other issues. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026 This reaction was triggered by Kiffin, who had planned to sign tight end Dae’Quan Wright after the Cleveland Browns released him during the preseason. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

Noun

Stargazers have trigger words — total, bright, peak, maximum, best. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026 But Sankey lured the Longhorns away from the Big 12 — and helped trigger conference realignment — because of their football program. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trigger

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

Noun

Shape-memory polymers can be programmed to return to a particular shape after exposure to a stimulus, often heat.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Surrounded by the healing landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the luxe getaway has welcomed travelers seeking to put aside digital overload and other overwhelming stimuli in order to reconnect with the best versions of themselves.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

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
Some Republicans have expressed alarm about the findings in the report, which was filed under seal and withheld from the public by the courts.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of alarm

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

Noun

But the designer suffered a fall from grace in 2011 after he was arrested for antisemitic and racist incidents, the catalyst for the backlash to his selection as the subject of the Met's exhibit and its accompanying gala.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
PGMs are vital to hydrogen technology, acting as catalysts in fuel cells to power electric vehicles.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of catalyst

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

Noun

The impetus was Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which contains gory scenes that are definitely too intense for young kids but more appropriate for teens, and thus, the PG-13 rating was born.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
The maintenance needed on the 368,000 miles of roads in America’s national forests was one impetus for the Roadless Rule in 2001.

— Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The electricity harvested from the vehicle skin can run onboard systems, recharge battery banks, and reduce the fuel needed for auxiliary generators.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Rely on people with generators and those who understand how they can be safely deployed and shared.

— Freida Graves, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of generator

Browse Nearby Words

trig

trigger

triggered

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Style

“Trigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trigger. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of trigger

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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