as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity
the utility company threatened them with the shutoff of electricity if the bills weren't paid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
threatened to shut off peace talks if the other side kept making unreasonable demands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to kill
to cause to stop functioning
shut off the computer to save electricity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 shutoff
Nicole Van Lier, The Conversation, 13 May 2026
Most states, albeit inconsistently, restrict winter shutoffs for heating.
—Anthony Nicome, STAT, 13 May 2026
Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 4 June 2026
Grossman continued driving after hitting the boys, eventually stopping about a quarter-mile from the scene when her vehicle automatically shut off.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
Noun
Since 2014, 170,000 Detroiters have been met with water shutoffs for unpaid bills.
—Nicole Van Lier, The Conversation, 13 May 2026
Most states, albeit inconsistently, restrict winter shutoffs for heating.
—Anthony Nicome, STAT, 13 May 2026
Verb
While both campgrounds remain open year-round, water is shut off and restrooms are closed between October and April.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 4 June 2026
Grossman continued driving after hitting the boys, eventually stopping about a quarter-mile from the scene when her vehicle automatically shut off.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shutoff
Noun
-
The latest collection, Vibrations of Spring, celebrates the end of winter, the cessation of snow and silence, the way light changes as summer approaches.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
After negotiations that lasted nearly nine hours, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, contingent on a cessation of Hezbollah fire and the removal of Hezbollah operatives from southern Lebanon.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
By targeting Israel in response to attacks in Lebanon, Tehran appeared to be signaling that its red lines no longer stop at its own borders – and that its leaders are ready to take greater risks.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
-
Bussi got the nod after stopping 18 of 19 shots in relief of Andersen in Game 3 in the third period and two overtimes.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
In recent months security forces have killed a string of top Maoists and the rank-and-file are laying down their weapons.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
At the same time that the GKN situation was unraveling, the rupture of a chemical tank containing a different chemical mixture killed 11 people at a paper mill in Washington state.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
As Russia’s advance stalls, Ukraine boosts long-range strikes After a series of gains last year, Russia’s advances along the over 600-mile front line have ground to a near halt recently, and Ukraine’s armed forces have launched successful counterstrikes and reclaimed some ground.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
The painstaking work of clearing depots has ground to a halt, overtaken by a more volatile reality.—
Euan Ward,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In the company of Charlie and Catherine, Leonora ceases to feel like herself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
The move comes after FanDuel Sports Network Florida ceased local-rights operations at the conclusion of this past season.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The driver of a Ford Escape steered to the right and braked hard but was unable to avoid a collision with the Kia in the right shoulder and right lane area of the highway, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
9 June 2026
-
And for the first time this season, the cars wrecked completely flat-out; with no long straights and plenty of braking zones, the cars were not energy-limited for once this season.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Popularized by a beer commercial during the 1986 World Cup, it’s used to rally on teams with its repetitive (albeit nonsensical) syllables as well as its upbeat ending.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
Prince also excelled at crafting perfect song endings, and this is undoubtedly one of his best.—
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson,
VIBE.com,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Before going down with the season-ending ailment, Thornton had unseated Chau Smith-Wade as the team’s starting nickel corner prior to the Week 11 win over Atlanta.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
The notion that nature begins only where humans end is anathema to the Cornish spirit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shutoff. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
