as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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Recent Examples of setting off
Other videos show fans setting off fireworks in the street and getting quickly arrested.
—
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Senior first baseman Kaitlyn Streiler suffered a broken hand on April 18, setting off a chain reaction that included Beals shifting to first.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
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
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Senior first baseman Kaitlyn Streiler suffered a broken hand on April 18, setting off a chain reaction that included Beals shifting to first.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
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The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report moved the program’s day of reckoning squarely into the next presidential term, projecting that the retirement trust fund will be depleted in 2032 — triggering an automatic 22% cut to every retirement and survivor benefit.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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Iran’s hold over the critical Middle Eastern passageway has discouraged activity in the area, triggering a sweeping blockage of oil tankers and a global energy emergency.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Philadelphia declared a heat health emergency for Thursday and Friday, activating cooling centers, home visits by field teams, outreach to people experiencing homelessness and other services.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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Wisp will be activating at Pride events in New York City this month, with staff on the ground having one-on-one conversations.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday in Texas, capturing the franchise's first championship since 1973 and sparking jubilant scenes throughout the city.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
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Eleven current and former nurses in Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s fifth floor maternity wing were diagnosed with brain tumors, sparking concern from employees and the community.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
14 June 2026
Verb
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And much of their Finals journey was overshadowed by the OJ Simpson case that began with a white Ford Bronco slowly driving down Southern California freeways in the middle of the opening game.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Investigators said Morabia Siddhi Suresh, 33, of Fremont, California, had been driving in rainy conditions when she was involved in a separate collision, according to Kentucky State Police.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Her stomach was already turning on her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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As officers approached, the boy appeared disoriented and began moving farther into the water, at times going under the surface, police said.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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Congress is moving to put more pressure on Sudan’s warring factions, as the three-year war perpetuates one of the globe’s worst humanitarian crises.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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