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

Prime ministers are able to trigger an early snap election with the backing of parliament, but Burnham — who replaced predecessor Keir Starmer without a public vote — has ruled out such a move. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 Cornell University’s investigation, of course, did not have to adhere to New York’s arguably archaic criminal standards, but its response, too, has triggered anger and disbelief across airwaves and social media. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026

Noun

Much like an engine compresses fuel before ignition, FLARE first assembles the fuel to high density before delivering a separate, rapid burst of energy to trigger fusion. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026 Electrolyte disturbances during unsupervised fasts can destabilize the heart and trigger arrhythmias. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trigger

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trigger

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

Noun

According to the news release, a second alarm was called for more firefighters and equipment because of the size of the fire and threat to other businesses.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Alito’s concerns are not unfounded, as threats to members in recent history have raised alarm about justices’ safety.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of alarm

Verb

The killing of a woman in Okinawa has sparked an outcry across Japan and inflamed long-simmering tensions over the US military presence on the island.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 7 Oct. 2026
The setback sparked wide speculation that Sánchez would move forward the general election and use the momentum on the housing issue against his right-wing opponents.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of spark

Noun

But across the board, many New Yorkers cite a better cost of living as the top catalyst for the southern migration.

— Sheeka Sanahori, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
After a review of Palo Alto’s product-level growth catalysts, Powell sees clear upside to both revenue and next-generation security (NGS) annual recurring revenue (ARR) in fiscal 2027.

— , CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of catalyst

Verb

The reason for that is the unquenching market need for solid factual projects that can both be popular on linear channels and drive older viewers to streaming services.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
The urgency of their push comes as major European companies undergo huge job losses — Volkswagen plans to cut 100,000 workers — which experts have said could drive political upheaval.

— Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of drive

Noun

Using sine wave generators and pink lighting so saturated it essentially blots out all other color and shadow, Young and Zazeela created a space that’s somehow both static and full of life.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
In addition, each year between April and October crews are testing generators, redundancy systems and other equipment to prepare for the worst, Shelton said.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of generator

Browse Nearby Words

trig

trigger

triggered

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Trigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trigger. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of trigger

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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