as in cessations
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
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 shutoffs
That residence is one of nearly 1,000 Coast Guard housing units at risk of electricity shutoffs because of unpaid bills.
—
Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Developed from firsthand experience in emergency response, its mission is to make critical information, such as utility shutoffs, appliance details, and maintenance records, accessible and shareable among those who rely on it.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
The process was used to reduce the impact in Boulder in March when strong winds and hot, dry weather led Xcel to warn of possible shutoffs.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Most utility companies maintain lists of households with medical devices, and they are supposed to notify customers ahead of power shutoffs and prioritize restoring power to their homes.
—Katherine Asmussen, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
When public safety power shutoffs last days, how do families, small businesses, hospitals, and first responders operate?
—Suzette Valladares, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
The fierce Santa Ana winds blowing dry desert air over the mountains and out to sea had already triggered public safety power shutoffs.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Some 3,300 customers in the Malibu area remained without power, due to safety shutoffs and for firefighter safety.
—Christopher Weber, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
Southern California Edison, a primary utility provider in the area, has implemented power shutoffs for public safety because of the wildfire risk.
—Denise Chow, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Developed from firsthand experience in emergency response, its mission is to make critical information, such as utility shutoffs, appliance details, and maintenance records, accessible and shareable among those who rely on it.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
The process was used to reduce the impact in Boulder in March when strong winds and hot, dry weather led Xcel to warn of possible shutoffs.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Most utility companies maintain lists of households with medical devices, and they are supposed to notify customers ahead of power shutoffs and prioritize restoring power to their homes.
—Katherine Asmussen, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
When public safety power shutoffs last days, how do families, small businesses, hospitals, and first responders operate?
—Suzette Valladares, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
The fierce Santa Ana winds blowing dry desert air over the mountains and out to sea had already triggered public safety power shutoffs.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Some 3,300 customers in the Malibu area remained without power, due to safety shutoffs and for firefighter safety.
—Christopher Weber, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
Southern California Edison, a primary utility provider in the area, has implemented power shutoffs for public safety because of the wildfire risk.
—Denise Chow, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shutoffs
Noun
-
Temporary cessations of hostility, but no permanent closing of the moral and social divide between debtor and creditor, and no giving up on the thought that some lives matter more than others.—
Henry Freedland,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Former leaders warn that the loss of institutional knowledge, combined with halts to the incoming pipeline of public health workers, may lead to a long-term crisis.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Automotive industry analysts are forecasting that another microchip shortage could hit in the coming months, which could increase risks for production halts as costs skyrocket.—
Breana Noble,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In sports, especially, where career timelines are often compressed, the difference between abrupt endings and seamless transitions usually comes down to this kind of enterprise mindset.—
Sandra Richards,
Rolling Stone,
8 May 2026
-
This planet strips away illusions, forcing transformation through endings, intensity and uncomfortable truths.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
People living in areas near the wildfires should monitor evacuation orders and road closures.—
Bianca Harris,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures for the next few months.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Under Kennedy's legislation, senators would, like other employees, receive backpay after future shutdowns end.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Iran has repeatedly used internet shutdowns during periods of unrest, where access to the global internet is severely restricted or completely cut, making foreign websites and apps unreachable.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Carter was electric at both ends of the floor, leading the Aces with 27 points, shooting 13-for-16 from the field and adding eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
That has prompted more farms to embrace multiple business models to make ends meet.—
William Deffaa,
Baltimore Sun,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
During the action, music played through the continuous stoppages, keeping the crowd engaged.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The stoppages allow for weird moments of drama and the emergence of characters.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shutoffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shutoffs. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
