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 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 Other videos show fans setting off fireworks in the street and getting quickly arrested. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off

Verb

Mitochondria also play central roles in detecting and reacting to stress, and even in triggering cells to self-destruct if damage is deemed too great.

— Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Smoke causes inflammation by triggering the body’s immune system to go into overtime to fight the irritant.

— Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

The second exercise is a double-leg glute bridge and hold, which focuses on activating those hamstrings and glutes — both essential muscles in supporting acceleration and top speed.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Those launches were successful, but ground teams ran into problems activating and commissioning satellites made by York Space Systems and Lockheed Martin.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Definition of activating

Verb

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
Neighbors rescue two dogs from burning home Fire officials said Bo was the dog seen on video inadvertently turning on the toaster.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 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

Regena and Frankie Felix went to the hospital ready for the birth of their child, but they were sent home by staff who felt Regena’s labor wasn’t moving along fast enough on Monday, July 13, Fox 10 reported.

— Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Consider Updating Your Plumbing Just like with lighting, switches, and outlets, many kitchen renovators plan on adding or moving plumbing lines for appliances, pot fillers, and more.

— Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 18 July 2026