as in to set off
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
Verb
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Some analysts have raised alarms about how weakness in a key node of the web, like OpenAI, could set off a chain reaction that could threaten the entire AI ecosystem.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026 -
Dozens of people wearing masks shut down I-77 to set off fireworks in the middle of the interstate.—
Joe Bruno,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Everyone at Villars understood that using science to motivate policy changes, and then seek philanthropic funding, wasn’t working.—
Natalie Sum Yue Chung,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
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While the Yankees don’t seem to be motivated by service time manipulation, that is important to note with a decision on Volpe looming.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The 29-year-old left-hander induced a double-play grounder from Jerar Encarnacion to end the threat.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
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With Philadelphia applying pressure, Winn shattered Trea Turner’s bat to induce a 5-4-3 double play, recording the first two outs of the inning.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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But some gas stations have pumped up gas prices even higher.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
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Freedom from nonstop sound effects Some ballparks are worse than others, but the trend of teams that pump up the volume and inject sound effects between pitches, similar to an NBA game, is exploding.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Investigators have not released details of a suspect or motive for the gunfire.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Apr. 2026
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Officials emphasized that while a suspect is now in custody, the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the killings.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That feeling of being seen and understood stayed with her, ultimately inspiring Henson to commit to a career as a nurse and to offer the same reassurance to her own patients.—
Nancy Badertscher,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
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Kaneda’s core concept that Japan should focus more on quality than overwhelming force would inspire the Yamato and Mushashi in the 1930s.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Time them intentionally — energizing adaptogens work best in the morning; calming ones fit better in the evening.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
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Time them intentionally — energizing adaptogens in the morning, calming ones at night.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
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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 8 May. 2026.
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