as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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Recent Examples of setting off
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
Investors fear that the war will disrupt the Persian Gulf's energy industry for a long time, setting off a punishing wave of global inflation by keeping large amounts of oil and natural gas out of global markets.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
During a Fourth of July protest outside an Alvarado detention center, at which demonstrators were setting off fireworks, an assailant fired a gun, wounding a police officer.
—Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
If the Iran war drags on for months, the outlook could quickly darken, setting off a downward economic spiral as falling stocks give way to weaker spending and, ultimately, a recession.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
According to The Information, incident began when an engineer used an internal agent tool to analyze a technical question; the agent then posted advice without approval, which another employee followed, setting off a chain reaction that opened access to restricted systems.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Heidi is the empowered frontier woman, setting off from her parents’ Colorado lodge to reinvent everything about herself out west with a wild man.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Players opted out of the previous agreement in October 2024, setting off a negotiation window that extended well past the original expiration date of October 2025.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Mar. 2026
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
Investors fear that the war will disrupt the Persian Gulf's energy industry for a long time, setting off a punishing wave of global inflation by keeping large amounts of oil and natural gas out of global markets.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
During a Fourth of July protest outside an Alvarado detention center, at which demonstrators were setting off fireworks, an assailant fired a gun, wounding a police officer.
—Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
If the Iran war drags on for months, the outlook could quickly darken, setting off a downward economic spiral as falling stocks give way to weaker spending and, ultimately, a recession.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
According to The Information, incident began when an engineer used an internal agent tool to analyze a technical question; the agent then posted advice without approval, which another employee followed, setting off a chain reaction that opened access to restricted systems.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Heidi is the empowered frontier woman, setting off from her parents’ Colorado lodge to reinvent everything about herself out west with a wild man.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Players opted out of the previous agreement in October 2024, setting off a negotiation window that extended well past the original expiration date of October 2025.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
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These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
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By 2033, the trust fund will run dry, triggering that immense, across-the-board drop that is slated to punish the most vulnerable Americans by collapsing all benefits an equal share regardless of income.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After activating his emergency lights and leaving his vehicle to assist the disabled car, officials say a passing vehicle caused another car to swerve onto the shoulder, fatally striking the man.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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The Starlink constellation has expanded dramatically in recent years, activating a milestone 10,000th satellite last week.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hall subsequently crashed the vehicle along the Southwest Freeway and attempted to flee on foot, sparking an hours-long standoff in a nearby residential area, according to the outlet.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
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Senate Republicans doubled down on their plan Friday in the final days of the legislative session, sparking confusion as competing elections proposals advance during the frenetic closing days of the 40-day session.—
Caleb Groves,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kristopher David was driving to work Wednesday morning near the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Seventh Avenue when a black Audi, traveling westbound at a high rate of speed, T-boned his white BMW.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Wake early to catch the spectacle of sunrise before driving 30 minutes to the neighboring Santa Teresa.—
Meghan Palmer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Chavez and his aides repeatedly claimed that their critics are Communist or grower sympathizers who infiltrated the UFW before turning on it.—
Marcos Breton,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
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His comments caused a stir Wednesday from pro-Israel advocates who felt Newsom was turning on their interests.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Last month, the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s editor wrote that a recent job applicant withdrew from consideration for a reporting fellowship after discovering the position included filing notes to an AI writing tool instead of actually writing stories, touching off a heated debate in media circles.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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Shortly after Goularte got into their pickup truck in Morgan Hill, authorities say, Velasquez shot at him, touching off an 11-mile high-speed car chase through the city that ended near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue on the southern reaches of San Jose.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Number 17 in the current THSB Private Large Schools rankings, Grace Prep could be moving up in that poll next week after a 4-3 victory over No 4 Fort Worth Christian earlier this week.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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With Mercury, Mars, the Sun, Saturn, and Neptune all moving through Aries this month, along with a new moon in your sign on April 17, the focus shifts decisively to your body, your appearance, and your desires.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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