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 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

Conversely, a company may prevail in court while still suffering reputational harm, triggering a decline in share value, eroding stakeholder trust and reinforcing negative narratives.

— Alona Karpinska, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Steve Ballmer, the team’s owner, invested $60 million into Aspiration, triggering allegations that the payment to Leonard circumvented the NBA salary cap.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

New York City is activating its heat and flash flood emergency plans for Thursday and Friday due to dangerous temperatures and storms in the forecast.

— Katie Houlis, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Beyond sleep, tai chi helps lower blood pressure by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the network of nerves that relaxes the body after stress or danger.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of activating

Verb

The man accused of sparking the biggest of three wildfires in Spokane, Washington, has a long history of mental health issues and previously pleaded guilty in the killing of his father, according to court records obtained by NBC News.

— Emanuella Grinberg, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026
The man accused of sparking the Palisades Fire will be tried again this fall after his first federal arson case ended in a mistrial in June.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 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

Bowed July 10, it is directed by Arima León, turning on their encounter and their correspondence afterwards.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 27 July 2026
In 2024, a Colorado family’s home security camera captured another dog accidentally turning on a stovetop after jumping up to investigate boxes left on the range.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 July 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

When rolling, it is recommended to run the pasta through a pasta machine at the thickest setting first, then fold the pasta strip over itself into 3 thicknesses and repeat, before moving down a setting.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Though one of the youngest in the field, Bullock carried herself with veteranlike focus, moving through her routine with confidence.

— Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026