as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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Recent Examples of setting off
On Thursday, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and on a marketplace in eastern Afghanistan, according to Pakistani security officials and the Taliban, setting off retaliatory attacks by the Taliban.
—
Reuters, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
The film begins with the title character having an epiphany and setting off on a journey to Italy with his manager (Sandler) and his long-suffering publicist (Laura Dern) in tow.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
In December 2024, Dean flew to Tokyo to finalize the collaboration, setting off a year-long creative process that culminated this fall.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Oct. 2025
That series ended with Agatha and Billy setting off to find Billy’s brother Tommy.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
The Four Seasons Beijing is a great hotel to stay at before setting off.
—Eleanor Flagler Hardy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
These latter two are particularly important because the main advantages of a humanoid robot are its ability to work in human environments, work with human machines, and to work with humans smoothly, safely, and without setting off Terminator vibes.
—David Szondy
october 09, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025
In 2018, the company had a viral moment when the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, wore their jeans at a public event, setting off a frenzy that spiked demand and overwhelmed the tiny operation of around 20 employees at the time.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Reuters, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
The film begins with the title character having an epiphany and setting off on a journey to Italy with his manager (Sandler) and his long-suffering publicist (Laura Dern) in tow.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
In December 2024, Dean flew to Tokyo to finalize the collaboration, setting off a year-long creative process that culminated this fall.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Oct. 2025
That series ended with Agatha and Billy setting off to find Billy’s brother Tommy.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
The Four Seasons Beijing is a great hotel to stay at before setting off.
—Eleanor Flagler Hardy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
These latter two are particularly important because the main advantages of a humanoid robot are its ability to work in human environments, work with human machines, and to work with humans smoothly, safely, and without setting off Terminator vibes.
—David Szondy
october 09, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025
In 2018, the company had a viral moment when the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, wore their jeans at a public event, setting off a frenzy that spiked demand and overwhelmed the tiny operation of around 20 employees at the time.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
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The man said no, triggering a mistrial on the rape count.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Through perseverance, the seed discovers the power of her roots, triggering a revolution that transforms her world and fulfills her dreams in an unexpected way.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In response, Microsoft notes the company is adding further restrictions to activating IE Mode in Edge for non-commercial users.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Then comes Pluto, freshly direct in Aquarius, activating your friendship and community sector.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Did the crisis highlight the Kafkaesque absurdity of Cold War politics by sparking an international circle-jerk between various representatives from South Korea, North Korea, Japan, America, and the Soviet Union?—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
15 Oct. 2025
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By this time, however, Hamas had already begun to eclipse secular rivals in popularity and Palestinian elections held in 2006 led to a victory for the Islamist militant group, sparking clashes with the PA's leading Fatah faction and Hamas' eventual takeover of the territory the following year.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bruce Owens, 49, of Paragould, who was driving the Hyundai, and a minor who was riding in the Jeep and not identified in the report were injured, the report says.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
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After the video spread on social media, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on X that the arrest came as US Border Patrol was driving around conducting immigration enforcement.—
Josh Campbell,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Maybe the tide is turning on her feelings for him.—
Trish Deitch,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
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The 38-year-old woman now held at Sacramento County Main Jail, allegedly struck her husband with a vacuum cord before turning on her 10-year-old, beating the child with a metal pole.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Williams said, touching off laughter.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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Players are moving around, not pointing fingers at others and are taking accountability.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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