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 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 Abiodun said two people were killed on Monday, setting off violence on Wednesday in which 15 people were burned to death in a house, and another person was killed at a different place. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 Other videos show fans setting off fireworks in the street and getting quickly arrested. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 Testimony by other eyewitnesses was used to corroborate defense claims that New Year’s revelers were setting off fireworks in the area that night. — Jack Hannah, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off

Verb

The visit contrasts with the approach by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose government publicly criticized Saudi Arabia’s human rights record in 2018, triggering a diplomatic rift that lasted five years.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
The closure of the strait dragged on for months, triggering the biggest supply disruption in history.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 9 July 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

Emergency measures are working to stabilize an under-construction, high-rise building in Midtown Manhattan after its two support columns buckled, sparking concerns of a partial collapse, officials said.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Both films premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, with The Invite sparking a major bidding war; it was eventually picked up by A24 for $12 million.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2026

Definition of sparking

Verb

Rodríguez Castro can be seen wearing a New York Yankees shirt, moving suggestively to driving percussive beats, punctuated by catchy, syncopated vocals.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.

— STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026

Definition of driving

Verb

Letting the temperature rise slightly during the day means the system isn't turning on and off rapidly all afternoon.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
Sokolowski also recommends wearing rubber or nitrile gloves to prevent skin irritation, and opening windows or turning on a kitchen exhaust fan before, during, and for a bit after cleaning.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026

Definition of turning on

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

Why China is moving fast with robot hospitality China has already embraced service robots in hotels, restaurants, airports and public spaces.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026