goes off

present tense third-person singular of go off
1
as in explodes
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure specialists were able to deactivate the bomb before it went off

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

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 goes off Enzo abruptly goes off-script, so to speak, and quits the Devillard estate to try his hand at mussel farming and pouf! — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 But even from the start, before Mona properly goes off the deep end, The Debut starts inuring us to her heightened perspective. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026 Drain the corn into a large colander set in the sink when the timer goes off. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 When Rhaenyra seems less than enthusiastic about helping him, Baela really goes off on her. — Judy Berman, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 Just as Pascal orders all of the firefighters to evacuate because the roof threatens to collapse, a major explosion goes off inside the structure. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 July 2026 The heavy use of VAR has also interrupted the flow of games by halting matches that weren’t meant to be halted, leaving everyone standing on the field while the referee goes off to watch TV, sometimes for minutes at a time. — Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 Even when Romanzy goes off on how stupid and ugly Caleb is — and gossips that his parents abandoned him because something must be wrong with him — Mary goes along with it. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026 Keep a reusable water bottle by your bed or coffee maker as a reminder to hydrate after your alarm goes off. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goes off
Verb
  • Once the mook is within blasting range, Reacher explodes the tank with a bullet — making both the man and the floor as holey as Swiss cheese.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Control Resonant, the sequel, takes most of that game’s gorgeous visual language and explodes it all over an open-world New York City, to mesmerizing results.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As the plot progresses, there are constant digs at Google Maps and Apple Maps for conceding to Trump’s order.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Bioethicists and philosophers actively monitor the welfare and cognitive state of the animals as the research progresses.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In flight tests, the tiny drone navigated pitch-black enclosures, mapped unknown room layouts, hugged surface contours, and located exits without a single visual cue.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Wes Gordon’s eight-year run at Carolina Herrera is often looked at as one of the most successful succession stories in fashion, an industry rife with designer turnover where founder exits can get ugly.
    — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Then Chernov detonates an atomic bomb over the Black Sea as a show of force.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • If the ammunition detonates after penetration, the explosion is directed away from the crew compartment, significantly improving the crew’s chances of survival.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • This means Voraotsady’s husband, Ash Jones — who also does the bookkeeping — does the grocery shopping on Sunday mornings.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Frank McCourt bought the team before the 2004 season and brought in his own people, as a new owner often does.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • So Finney-Smith departs without ever suiting up in a regular-season game for the Hornets.
    — Staff reports, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Temps begin to rebound Wednesday After the cut-off low departs late Tuesday, the atmosphere will begin its rebound to equilibrium through the week, bringing temperatures back to average or even slightly above average to the end of the work week.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Harrison, who’s clutching a Sapporo, grabs his friend’s drink and neatly pops the top off using his own bottle.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • If a neighbor mix‑up pops up, write a short summary with next steps so everyone feels aligned.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Now a new Cherry Orchard, the work of another Australian auteur, Simon Stone, has put down roots in the cavernous drill hall of the Park Avenue Armory, and the angry young tutor goes even further.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Well, there’s one later episode that really does a deep dive into Andrew’s perspective and his experience of life that goes between a couple of different time periods of his life.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Goes off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goes%20off. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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