SETTING OFF Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

setting off

verb

present participle of set off

as in triggering

to cause to function set off a bomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 setting off This year, Europe has been sweltering under an exceptionally hot and arid summer, with tinderbox conditions setting off unprecedented fires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate homes and vacation spots. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 The peaceful exile is shattered when Ravana’s sister, Surpanakha (played by Rakul Preet Singh), becomes infatuated with Rama, setting off a chain of events that leads to her humiliation. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026 Think of it like setting off a firework inside of a long, narrow hallway (which, by the way, is a really bad idea). — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 16 July 2026 Many accounts were opted in by default, making their public photos available to the tool and setting off alarm in the entertainment industry. — Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026 Instead, a routine furniture recovery mission lands her in the middle of a grisly new crime, setting off another wildly unpredictable adventure through Detroit’s criminal underworld. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 July 2026 Officials say the safest way to celebrate Independence Day is by attending one of the many professional fireworks shows scheduled across the Bay Area rather than setting off fireworks at home. — Maddie White, CBS News, 2 July 2026 Major League Baseball then issued a warning, setting off a firestorm of controversy, criticism and a referral for an investigation from the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off

Verb

Prosecutors argued that the building caught on fire, triggering a massive explosion and propelling canisters in the air, one of which fatally struck Salter in the head.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget marked the occasion by noting that the retirement program’s trust fund is projected to be depleted in six years, triggering an automatic benefit reduction of about 22% under current law.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

Mercury conjoins Jupiter in Leo and your 3rd House of Communication, activating texts, calls, emails, errands, siblings, neighbors, and local connections.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Gonzalez pushed back on the explanation, warning Calvo that activating the emergency lights could have criminal consequences.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of activating

Verb

The operation has come under scrutiny, sparking questions as to whether those left on the decoy plane presumed to still be carrying the President were at risk.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 12 Aug. 2026
Once a quiet Mediterranean fishing village, Saint-Tropez exploded into a global hot spot in the 1950s, sparking a massive, decades-long surge in tourism, the National Geographic reported.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of sparking

Verb

These types of conversations help teens feel understood and strengthen trust, while uncovering more about what is really driving the desire to change up their look.

— Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Nearly 30 years to the day that Shakur was gunned down in the passenger seat of a BMW Knight was driving, Davis is accused of murder for allegedly giving his crew the order to open fire on Shakur in retaliation for a fight.

— Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of driving

Verb

The university prepared to wash its hands of this important part of its legacy, touching off a furious backlash.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
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

Definition of touching off

Verb

The first is, as mentioned, moving up to the A19 Pro from the A18 Pro; the annual cadence for the chipsets will carry over Neo's annual cadence to the MacBook .

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
The Washington Nationals are moving CJ Abrams to second base in the coming days.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026