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

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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 In a picturesque village, the mayor closed a road, setting off a storm with residents and the owners of a castle that once belonged to his family. — Peter Baker Alessandro Falco Mark Landler Michelle Goldberg, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 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 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

The Treasury’s intervention helped boost risky bets, triggering an upswing in crypto prices.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Redistricting battle spread to numerous states Missouri’s mid-decade redistricting effort has been among the most litigated nationally, triggering about a dozen lawsuits over the past year.

— David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

This can be done by activating a population called Q neurons in a region of the hypothalamus.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026
The researchers produced biochar by carbonizing mixed food waste at 752°F and then activating it with potassium hydroxide at temperatures between 1,112°F and 1,472°F.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of activating

Verb

Early screening tests suggested thousands of Arkansas third graders were at risk of falling short, sparking alarm among some parents and educators.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2026
Listening in from a nearby water tower via a wire, Rand realizes Kershaw’s connection to the plot and holds him at gunpoint, sparking a fierce brawl between them.

— Max Gao, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of sparking

Verb

The duo bicker, both in person and over the phone, as their uneasy dynamic proves to be the show’s driving force yet again.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
And with the war in Iran already driving up energy and transportation costs, businesses have less room to absorb another hit.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 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

Earlier, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Washoe County, Nevada, said the fire was moving Northeast as of Saturday evening, according to a social media post.

— Jenna Harrison, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
People are already moving materials around in all of those places, and a lot of that work is repetitive, physically punishing, or puts people near real hazards.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026