set in motion

verb

Definition of set in motionnext
as in to stir (up)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for set in motion
  1. provoke
  2. pick
  3. incite
Verb
  • These groups that are coming here are coming for one reason, and that is to provoke a reaction and generate attention.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The sources added that the relationship breakdown also provoked serious concerns about the wellbeing of the senior colleague.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • Backstage, Kenny Omega calls the Don Callis Family bullies and tells them to pick any three members to face him and The Young Bucks, who are standing beside Omega, next week.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church members who are facing off in court over control of the College Station congregation will meet Monday to determine the process for picking who gets to preach.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Targeting the wrong group could end up inciting an international incident.
    — Henry Larson, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The trade war incited a wave of rerouting goods through third-party countries, as well as led to companies under-reporting the value of goods or mislabeling products as alternative goods not subject to as high of import taxes.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of incite
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

set in
set in motion
set off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set in motion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20in%20motion. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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