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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Examples of touch off in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
The Venice Film Festival drew to a close this evening with its glamorous awards gala, and though the feeling on the ground was that the 21-title-strong main competition was a touch off the pace of recent years, still the festival is looking pretty good for an 81-year-old.
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Jessica Kiang, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024
Proposals to move production to South Carolina touched off a political battle in Washington, D.C., as New Mexico senators fought to retain a foothold for Los Alamos in the multibillion-dollar program.
—Morgan Lee The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 5 Oct. 2024
The Thompsons’ decision touched off an upward trajectory in their lives, said Ron Dong, 87, who grew up in the house with his parents and three siblings.
—Lynda Lin Grigsby, NBC News, 17 Sep. 2024
To go along with the climbing, there’s weight training and cardio equipment, slacklines, a sauna, and a second, rooftop rockwall touched off by a fire pit and views of the Manhattan skyline.
—Seamus Webster, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for touch off 
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024
Proposals to move production to South Carolina touched off a political battle in Washington, D.C., as New Mexico senators fought to retain a foothold for Los Alamos in the multibillion-dollar program.
—Morgan Lee The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 5 Oct. 2024
The Thompsons’ decision touched off an upward trajectory in their lives, said Ron Dong, 87, who grew up in the house with his parents and three siblings.
—Lynda Lin Grigsby, NBC News, 17 Sep. 2024
To go along with the climbing, there’s weight training and cardio equipment, slacklines, a sauna, and a second, rooftop rockwall touched off by a fire pit and views of the Manhattan skyline.
—Seamus Webster, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for touch off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch off
Verb
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Not every query will trigger an AIO; instead, Google selectively displays them for searches where generative AI can offer particularly useful information.Prashant Puri, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
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Hope King Oct 30, 2024 - Economy Amid AI spending surge, Alphabet delivers on core products Alphabet's strong third quarter triggered a sigh of relief among investors who remain just as focused on the company's core products as its ballooning AI investments.Hope King, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Follow our affiliate links above to activate the Caesars Sportsbook promo code NEWSWK1000.Tim van Straten, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
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The cost crunch is also playing out in TV production, as players activate strategies to produce high quality shows without losing their shirts.John Hopewell, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Photo: Courtesy of Coco Brandolini Those special shoes have sparked more than just good outfits over the years.Willow Lindley, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2024
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That sparked debate about whether attempts to curb China’s technological advancements have been effective.AFP, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Micaela Hanning, Crean Lutheran: The transfer from Calvary Chapel is an explosive point guard who can strike from the perimeter and drive to the basket.Dan Albano, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
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In 2021, Gonzalez-Nunez allegedly drove a car in a sideshow while his girlfriend hung out of the window with an miniature AK-47.Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Fortunately for the rest of us, Brunn set off on his own to start a new spice company—and created Old Bay.Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024
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Hezbollah meanwhile fired more rockets into Israel, including two that set off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv before being intercepted.Mohammed Zaatari and Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Kamala Harris credits her ability to power through 90-hour workweeks, at least partially, to her consistent morning routine.Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024
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Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case, it is powered by the brand’s famous Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement that is self-winding, resists magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, and has a power reserve of 55 hours.Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The 8-0 Tigers, having defeated the defending national champions from Harding in the seventh game of the season, had moved up to No. 3 in the country in the American Football Coaches Association's NCAA Division II poll.Rex Nelson, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024
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To move through the world in a way that fosters connection is a choice Americans also spend less time engaged in social activities and leisure.Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near touch off
Cite this Entry
“Touch off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch%20off. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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