as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of setting off
The former congresswoman chose not only to not run for reelection during the 2026 cycle, but to resign her position at the beginning of the year, setting off a special election for her seat in Georgia's 14th congressional district.
—
Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Done in the style of the children’s classic Operation, Unethical Hoops requires players to use tweezers to pull objects from tiny holes, with the slightest touch of a metal border setting off a buzzer indicating failure.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Waite froze the hitter with a full-count slider, setting off a dogpile celebration.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Here are the three most important safety questions to ask before setting off on a summer road trip.
—Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Tuesday’s rat-trapping marks the start of fieldwork within Argentina's wider investigation into the origin of the contagion that struck the MV Hondius, killing three people, sickening several others and setting off a global scramble to trace passengers and their close contacts.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
The film tracks three couples celebrating an engagement who antagonize a real Balinese superstition said to doom relationships, setting off a chain of fractures, suspicion and increasingly bizarre encounters.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2026
In the 1960s and 1970s, physicists in Florida and France started intentionally setting off lightning bolts by firing small rockets with sharp points into storm clouds.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Done in the style of the children’s classic Operation, Unethical Hoops requires players to use tweezers to pull objects from tiny holes, with the slightest touch of a metal border setting off a buzzer indicating failure.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Waite froze the hitter with a full-count slider, setting off a dogpile celebration.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Here are the three most important safety questions to ask before setting off on a summer road trip.
—Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Tuesday’s rat-trapping marks the start of fieldwork within Argentina's wider investigation into the origin of the contagion that struck the MV Hondius, killing three people, sickening several others and setting off a global scramble to trace passengers and their close contacts.
—ABC News, 19 May 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
The film tracks three couples celebrating an engagement who antagonize a real Balinese superstition said to doom relationships, setting off a chain of fractures, suspicion and increasingly bizarre encounters.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2026
In the 1960s and 1970s, physicists in Florida and France started intentionally setting off lightning bolts by firing small rockets with sharp points into storm clouds.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
-
On March 26, 1997, the Red Wings sought retribution as McCarty went after Lemieux, triggering a full-scale brawl with goalies Roy and Mike Vernon in a bloody fight at center ice.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
-
The incident occurred on Wednesday night when authorities received a report of shots fired outside Barrett’s home, triggering a police response.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
By activating its regional proxy, the Houthis in Yemen, Iran could orchestrate the closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, blocking another vital artery connecting major trade routes between Europe, Asia and the Arab world.—
CNN Staff,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
-
That means activating our downtown with farmers markets, cultural events, outdoor gatherings, and community programming that gives residents a reason to be there.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Experts said the announcement is sparking confusion and uncertainty among many, including potentially thousands in Chicago.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
-
After months of drought, the South is in dire need of rain, but lightning or rain that falls too fast could create additional problems, sparking fires or causing flash flooding.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
That’s when Angotti got going, driving a ball over the left-center-field fence.—
Kevin J. Farmer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
These reforms stripped the dominant Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of its historical control of the regional government, driving it into active opposition.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
-
The moose charged the woman and kicked her several times before turning on the dogs.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
With two minutes left in the period, Parayko ran Yurov into the boards from behind, touching off a fight between the Blues’ defenseman and Trenin.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Then suddenly, one set charged the other, touching off yearslong bloodshed that researchers are comparing to a human civil war.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Nippon Dynawave was cited for moving equipment involved before it could be inspected, but not for the incident itself, the news outlet reported.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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