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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off

Verb

Other team-period notes With the second team in the same period, running back Brashard Smith caught a quick pass from Justin Fields and juked a defender, triggering a collective gasp from the crowd.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
As the compressed sides bulge outward under load, the tower’s structural strength drops sharply, frequently triggering sudden buckling or catastrophic collapse.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

Erlich’s installations remain incomplete until visitors enter them, activating the works through their own movement, curiosity and participation.

— Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Stewart grabs the ring activating it, before the car crashes in the canyon below.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Definition of activating

Verb

The organization further noted that the showcase created meaningful engagement with the material while sparking conversations around co-production, financing, distribution and international collaboration.

— E'Ian West, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Doing so could serve the purpose of sparking other suitors into action.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of sparking

Verb

His top priorities include driving economic growth, creating well-paying jobs, and expanding opportunities for both union and non-union workers.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Ballout was suspected of driving a van into a crowd near Berlin’s Pride festival Saturday night before apparently stabbing others with a machete in what authorities believe was an Islamic extremist terror attack.

— Geir Moulson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 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

Spence, 36, makes his return after a nearly three-year layoff and a brutal TKO loss to Terence Crawford, moving up two divisions into hostile territory.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
That’s the tricky balance Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy must navigate moving forward.

— Nick Friedell, New York Times, 25 July 2026