as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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Recent Examples of setting off
The move could lead to a larger showdown that could increase prices and hinder economic growth, possibly setting off a larger trade war if the 27-member European Union was compelled to retaliate.
—
ABC News,
26 June 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
Three city councilmembers, including the mayor, in the San Joaquin Valley community are refusing to give up their seats after voters overwhelmingly recalled them in April, setting off a political standoff that has spilled onto social media, into packed public meetings, and now into the courts.
—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
19 June 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 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
ABC News,
26 June 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
Three city councilmembers, including the mayor, in the San Joaquin Valley community are refusing to give up their seats after voters overwhelmingly recalled them in April, setting off a political standoff that has spilled onto social media, into packed public meetings, and now into the courts.
—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
19 June 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
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Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s central and coastal regions on Wednesday just 39 seconds apart, triggering scenes of panic in Caracas and other cities as preliminary reports of structural damage and injuries began to emerge.
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Powell said China has such operations lined up and planned well in advance and waits for such triggering events.
Verb
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But in the kitchen, things go awry again when some sauce boils over onto a burner, activating a safety suppression feature that automatically shuts down the appliance for a half-hour.
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More time is devoted to setting up the dramatic situation than to activating it.
Verb
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The big market gains have contributed to the perception of a lack of equity and fairness in the economy, sparking outrage among many middle- and low-income Americans.
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Keyser was ejected from Love Island on June 25, after entering the season as a Casa Amor bombshell and sparking a connection with season 8 Islander Zach Georgiou.
Verb
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Also boosting demand and driving ticket prices for Saturday’s game is the fact that 41-year-old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 669 million Instagram followers, is captain of the Portuguese team and has said this World Cup will be his last, making each appearance a high-profile event.
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Tire pressure sensors are vital to a vehicle’s health, especially when driving on pothole and junk-laden Atlanta streets.
Verb
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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.
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Her stomach was already turning on her.
Verb
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The university prepared to wash its hands of this important part of its legacy, touching off a furious backlash.
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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.
Verb
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Ashton's journey from moving bins to cleaning them demonstrates that a complete roadmap isn't necessary; curiosity and taking the next step are crucial.
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These wearable devices are rapidly moving away from novelty into the mainstream.
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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