key (up)

verb

Definition of key (up)next
as in to set off

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for key (up)
  1. set off
  2. motivate
  3. induce
  4. pump up
  5. motive
  6. inspire
  7. energize
  8. activate
Verb
  • That set off a flurry of Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, and the Houthis’ announcement of a blockade against Saudi shipping on the Red Sea — now the main corridor for Saudi energy exports.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • That his name was leaked as a prospective future CEO to drama-seeking observers only set off erroneous ripple effects of speculation that Solomon was headed out the door.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of set off
Verb
  • While those examples seem to be politically motivated, a lot of it is just con-artistry.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, Cohen said the women who reported him immediately only wanted to ensure Weinberg couldn’t use the photos to blackmail them — and those who came forward later were likely motivated by monetary gain.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivate
Verb
  • While the Blue Demon induces perceptual disorientation, the Rooster privileges visual attention and the architectural discipline of gaze.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The drug induces a powerful loss of personal identity and a brief but total dissolution of time and space.
    — Ryan Sullivan, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of induce
Verb
  • Swift, who was wearing a Chiefs tank top at Sunday night’s game, didn’t need to be well-versed in football to get pumped up when Kelce scored a touchdown.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • For its part, Florida hoped for a Sinclair victory to pump up its own moribund economy.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of pump up
Verb
  • Authorities had reported no arrests or motive as of Sunday evening, and investigators were still working to determine what happened.
    — Mike Stewart, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Neither man has offered an explanation or motive behind the violent stop.
    — Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Verb
  • After coming across our insightful articles in the course of their online research, potential clients are often inspired to reach out for trip-planning assistance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This isn’t the first time a transformative technology has inspired predictions of mass job displacement.
    — Mary Moreland, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of inspire
Verb
  • Artificial is no exception, with Blur frontman Damon Albarn’s energized electronic score and songs working in concert with Marco Costa’s fluid editing.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This bold move would add instant credibility again and immediate buzz to the program while energizing the fans.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of energize
Verb
  • Choose from heat mode or cool mode depending on the season, and then activate night mode for the quietest settings and a dimmer display.
    — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In order to promote its use, new ShipStation customers who choose to activate Ship with Walmart will be given a 20 percent discount on their annual subscription.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of activate
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

keys (up)
key (up)
khan
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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 9 Oct. 2026.

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