as in triggers
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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Recent Examples of sets off
The show is a propulsive hurricane of misery and cringe, from the violent incident that sets off this series of unfortunate events to the twists and horrors that unfold.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Attractive green foliage sets off other plants in summer, and in fall, the plant displays a lovely yellow-gold color.
—Lynn McAlpine, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026
In Terminator, an all-powerful, faultless AI becomes sentient, decides that humans are the enemy, and sets off a nuclear apocalypse.
—Bipul Sinha, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
Convinced that these images faithfully represent America, a group of villagers sets off for the New World.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
The comedy horror film revolves around Brian (Tyler Perry) forbidding his daughter Tiffany (Diamond White) from attending a frat party, which sets off a string of Halloween pranks.
—Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
In the Disney+ series of the same name, rebellious princess Kit (Bottoms’ Ruby Cruz) sets off on a dangerous quest to rescue her twin brother from dastardly forces of evil.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 15 Oct. 2025
Instead, Swift sets off in search of a knockout.
—Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
The Carbon offers Apple Find My tracker integration and has its own Turbo System Lock that kills the motor and (optionally) sets off lights and siren alarms when the bike is moved while disabled.
—Kevin Purdy, ArsTechnica, 20 Sep. 2025
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Attractive green foliage sets off other plants in summer, and in fall, the plant displays a lovely yellow-gold color.
—Lynn McAlpine, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026
In Terminator, an all-powerful, faultless AI becomes sentient, decides that humans are the enemy, and sets off a nuclear apocalypse.
—Bipul Sinha, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
Convinced that these images faithfully represent America, a group of villagers sets off for the New World.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
The comedy horror film revolves around Brian (Tyler Perry) forbidding his daughter Tiffany (Diamond White) from attending a frat party, which sets off a string of Halloween pranks.
—Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
In the Disney+ series of the same name, rebellious princess Kit (Bottoms’ Ruby Cruz) sets off on a dangerous quest to rescue her twin brother from dastardly forces of evil.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 15 Oct. 2025
Instead, Swift sets off in search of a knockout.
—Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
The Carbon offers Apple Find My tracker integration and has its own Turbo System Lock that kills the motor and (optionally) sets off lights and siren alarms when the bike is moved while disabled.
—Kevin Purdy, ArsTechnica, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets off
Verb
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The premeditation conviction automatically triggers a life sentence without the possibility of parole.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Each application triggers a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Servín activates his panic button that many searchers carry.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Unlike traditional compression, which applies constant pressure—whether it’s needed or not—Rheon activates only during impact (movement or strain) and then returns to a flexible state.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Continue reading … COPYCAT RISK — Molotov cocktail attack on Sam Altman's home sparks fears of similar strikes against tech executives.—
,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
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As for how quickly sparks will start flying between Amy and Ben, Steinberg was noncommittal.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The trading push comes as the Middle East war disrupts commodity flows and drives up costs across global supply chains.—
Lee Ying Shan,Emily Tan,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2026
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Scientists know that dark energy is an all-pervasive something that drives the universe’s accelerating expansion.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Researchers are adapting the magnetron—the same component that powers microwave ovens—to provide the 10 megawatts of power required for ADS.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
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How Wisconsin's solar battery park powers 130,000 homes The Paris Solar farm began producing power in December 2024 and generates 200 megawatts of renewable electricity during the day.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Each of us moves through a world strewn with figurative mountains and molehills, continually assessing what matters more and what matters less.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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What was a human being a second before is now a head bobbing among the waves as the vessel moves quickly away.—
David Szondy
April 19,
New Atlas,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sets off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets%20off. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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