SETS OFF Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

sets off

verb

present tense third-person singular of set off

as in triggers

to cause to function set off a bomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sets off Jessie, with the help of Woody and Buzz, sets off to help Bonnie make some real-world friends. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 26 June 2026 After a period devoted to motherhood, Agus sets off for a long yearned-for trip to Japan with dear friend Loly. — John Hopewell, Variety, 19 June 2026 This sets off a negative feedback loop where future investments fail to yield returns, as the legacy business continues to shrink. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 In her latest Netflix action effort, Theron plays a woman who sets off on a trip to Australia to soothe her grief but unwittingly crosses paths with Egerton’s unnerving hunter, who forces her into a game of cat and mouse. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026 The first fight between on-the-rocks elder millennials Josh (Oscar Isaac) and Lindsay (Carey Mulligan), witnessed by the young betrotheds Austin (Charles Melton) and Ashley (Cailee Spaeny), creates the toxic connection between the couples and sets off everything else that happens on the show. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets off

Verb

Inhaling these particles triggers inflammation, increasing risks of cardiovascular complications and stroke, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.

— Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Many couples pick a dollar amount that triggers a conversation before either partner spends it, whether that is $100 or $500.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

The emergency declaration activates the state agriculture department’s relief resources to help farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses recover.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Argentina fans, meanwhile, are unique in all sports—other countries have fan bases that get loud, but a stadium full of Argentineans activates something primordial.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

Their fundamentalist, literal understanding of the Bible is one that drives them to take bigger, bolder actions to affirm their belief that the United States is a Christian nation.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Intentional planning drives better long-term outcomes than an approach prioritizing speed.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of drives

Verb

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
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

Definition of powers

Verb

Propulsion system moves toward flight testing The AVEN is the main part that gives X-BAT the ability to direct its thrust for vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
The new plan, unveiled earlier this month, moves warehouses north of her property in Manhattan.

— Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026