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 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 And the wandering king’s son and heir, Telemachus (Tom Holland), is convinced his father is still alive and sets off to find him. — ArsTechnica, 1 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 When the whole family sets off on a cross-country road trip to take teen Katie Mitchell to college, a rogue AI hatches a plan to launch all humans into space, and only the Mitchells can stop it. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026 Kit departs, leaving Lauren in tears, and sets off for Wyoming for a new job and a chance at a new life. — Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets off

Verb

But the state of New York offers defendants strong double jeopardy protections; in New York, a prior conviction—either through a guilty plea or a guilty verdict after a trial—for the same offense typically triggers double jeopardy.

— Chantelle Lee, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
It’s encapsulated in exosome technology and powered by their Suprême Skin Bio-Complex that’s rich in peptides and visibly triggers skin renewal, plus evens, brightens and firms in four weeks.

— Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggers

Verb

Founded by Gracia Walker and Benjamin Silver, Broc Shot centers on sulforaphane, a compound derived from broccoli seed that activates the NRF2 pathway, part of the body’s natural defense system.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026
Pinching and holding both buds at the same time activates a new Audio Snapshot mode that records phone call audio or incoming sound and syncs it to the Nothing X app.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

Locarno Pro itself drives to identify opportunities during good times and industry malaise.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
The longtime Disney executive had most recently served as chairman of Disney Experiences, the unit that includes the theme parks, cruise lines and consumer products, and which drives profitability for the company.

— Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 14 Aug. 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