as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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Recent Examples of setting off
Macklin Celebrini recorded his second career NHL hat trick and matched a career-high with five points, which included a key assist on Smith’s overtime winner, setting off a wild celebration for the previously winless Sharks (1-4-2).
—
Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
But instead Lane, then 34, ambushed her — setting off a violent scramble through the residence that left Wilkins unconscious, her fetus cut from her womb.
—Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Even a weak storm could dump a ton of rain on the mountainous island of Hispaniola, potentially setting off life-threatening mudslides and flash flooding.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
The biggest stop of the season came in the final seconds when the Hornets stopped the Bears on downs inside the 2, setting off a sideline celebration.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025
In a bid to show Arj that money doesn’t buy happiness, Gabriel swaps his life with Jeff’s, setting off a chaotic week of rich-and-poor, Freaky Friday-esque hijinks.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Produced by the Basra Cinema Center, of which Alkadumy is executive director, the film centers on Ahmed, a child with a speech impediment who is continually dismissed during Quranic lessons until defiance stirs within him, setting off a silent confrontation with his authoritative teacher.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
On Thursday, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and on a marketplace in eastern Afghanistan, according to Pakistani security officials and the Taliban, setting off retaliatory attacks by the Taliban.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
The Four Seasons Beijing is a great hotel to stay at before setting off.
—Eleanor Flagler Hardy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
But instead Lane, then 34, ambushed her — setting off a violent scramble through the residence that left Wilkins unconscious, her fetus cut from her womb.
—Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Even a weak storm could dump a ton of rain on the mountainous island of Hispaniola, potentially setting off life-threatening mudslides and flash flooding.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
The biggest stop of the season came in the final seconds when the Hornets stopped the Bears on downs inside the 2, setting off a sideline celebration.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025
In a bid to show Arj that money doesn’t buy happiness, Gabriel swaps his life with Jeff’s, setting off a chaotic week of rich-and-poor, Freaky Friday-esque hijinks.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Produced by the Basra Cinema Center, of which Alkadumy is executive director, the film centers on Ahmed, a child with a speech impediment who is continually dismissed during Quranic lessons until defiance stirs within him, setting off a silent confrontation with his authoritative teacher.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
On Thursday, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and on a marketplace in eastern Afghanistan, according to Pakistani security officials and the Taliban, setting off retaliatory attacks by the Taliban.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
The Four Seasons Beijing is a great hotel to stay at before setting off.
—Eleanor Flagler Hardy, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
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The Telegraph, which has published anti-BBC commentary for years, reported on the existence of the memo on November 3, triggering days of controversy in the United Kingdom.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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The move comes after a single campus, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade, received five straight F ratings, triggering a state law that requires the commissioner to intervene.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Voclosporin is a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), a class of drugs that suppresses the immune system by blocking calcineurin, an enzyme required for activating T-cells—a type of white blood cell central to immune responses.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Mars wraps up its journey through Scorpio, which has been activating your career and legacy zone for weeks.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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His eerie behavior soon infects the quiet rhythms of their rural town, sparking paranoia, violence, and death.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
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Footage of the incident was widely circulated on TikTok, Facebook and X, fueling global criticism and sparking hashtags such as #StandWithMexico and #JusticeForFatima, Life & Style reported.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
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Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Maybe the tide is turning on her feelings for him.—
Trish Deitch,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
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The 38-year-old woman now held at Sacramento County Main Jail, allegedly struck her husband with a vacuum cord before turning on her 10-year-old, beating the child with a metal pole.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Facebook post has been viewed more than 140,000 times, touching off hundreds of comments over driver responsibility and technology.—
David R. Smith,
USA Today,
16 Oct. 2025
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Williams said, touching off laughter.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against moving ahead with the package, along with all but eight of his Democratic colleagues.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
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Director Michael Arden, meanwhile, is up to his elbows just moving the cumbersome Legos of Dane Laffrey’s set around.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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