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

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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 As Prue and Curtis struggle to unravel the twisty lore of the obstacle-laden forest in their search for Mac, their outsider presence inadvertently sets off a long-festering showdown for control of the forest between its warring factions. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 In others, the walls are paneled in a gleaming hardwood, which sets off the furniture, upholstered in black and dark-gray velvets. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2026 Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, an aging oil magnate whose drilling sets off an ecological disaster. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 Ultimately, Miles sacrifices himself so that the others can escape, holding onto the detonator that sets off a massive explosion until his final breath. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 The idea that the relationship was ending sets off alarm bells for experts like Nikki Engel, who serves as the co-executive director of Violence Free Minnesota. — Conor Wight, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 The Southeast Asian nation sits on the Ring of Fire, a band around the Pacific Ocean that sets off frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 That sets off a rescue mission — and also creates dangerous shifts in present-day reality. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026 But the arrival of two strangers investigating her past sets off a series of events that prompts the residents of Crystal Lake to question who Pam Voorhees really is. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets off

Verb

That is a classic non-public forum that triggers First Amendment protection.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Each team checks its own systems, validates availability, assesses cost impact, secures approvals and manually triggers updates across downstream systems.

— Jayashree Arunkumar, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

The accumulating damage persistently activates the innate immune system—the body’s first line of defense—leading to what is known as inflammaging, functional decline and chronic diseases of old age.

— Kristel Tjandra, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
For controls, the left earcup has a power button, while the right earcup has a noise-control button that activates your voice assistant when held down.

— Christian de Looper, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

Gen Alpha already drives nearly half of household spending and more than $100 billion in direct annual purchases.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026
Rather than deliver a traditional acceptance speech, the actress settled in for an onstage conversation with Fonda that offered a glimpse into what drives her philanthropy and activism.

— Paul Chi, Vogue, 6 Nov. 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

As part of its process, the powered gimbal moves the image around in the general direction the projector's already facing, stopping the movement several times in the process before continuing, and adjusting the image size several times as well.

— M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Flight testing moves forward L3Harris has reached the second phase of the Army’s Xtended Range Counter-sUAS Missile program.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026