1
as in ending
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turning off
to cause to stop functioning
shut off the computer to save electricity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shutting off
Smart power strips can help reduce energy waste by automatically shutting off devices not in use.
—
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Tehran cemented its grip on the Strait of Hormuz; a few more tankers managed to pass through in the last few days, albeit only by either negotiating in advance with Iran, or by shutting off their transponders and racing through.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
Don’t try to handle a squatter yourself by changing locks, hauling out belongings or shutting off utilities — Texas law treats that as a self-help eviction and can backfire if the person turns out to have tenant rights, making court eviction the required route in landlord-tenant cases.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Over a dozen people were arrested on suspicion of helping the escapees, including another inmate in the jail and a jail maintenance worker who is accused of shutting off water to the toilet, allowing escapees to remove it.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Their farewell message was accompanied by video of an employee shutting off the lights at the 7th Street location one last time.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
Deep in the woods, a tree had fallen over a power line, blocking the road out of the canyon and effectively shutting off all of the electricity in the immediate area.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
Companies could also consider shutting off access to their technology for certain time frames, Rae suggests.
—Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
If someone becomes trapped by suction, shutting off the pump can release the pressure immediately.
—Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Tehran cemented its grip on the Strait of Hormuz; a few more tankers managed to pass through in the last few days, albeit only by either negotiating in advance with Iran, or by shutting off their transponders and racing through.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
Don’t try to handle a squatter yourself by changing locks, hauling out belongings or shutting off utilities — Texas law treats that as a self-help eviction and can backfire if the person turns out to have tenant rights, making court eviction the required route in landlord-tenant cases.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Over a dozen people were arrested on suspicion of helping the escapees, including another inmate in the jail and a jail maintenance worker who is accused of shutting off water to the toilet, allowing escapees to remove it.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Their farewell message was accompanied by video of an employee shutting off the lights at the 7th Street location one last time.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
Deep in the woods, a tree had fallen over a power line, blocking the road out of the canyon and effectively shutting off all of the electricity in the immediate area.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026
Companies could also consider shutting off access to their technology for certain time frames, Rae suggests.
—Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
If someone becomes trapped by suction, shutting off the pump can release the pressure immediately.
—Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shutting off
Verb
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Hong Kong/Hangzhou — Stephen Curry announced a partnership for his signature brand with Li-Ning on Monday, ending his sneaker free agency in a major win for the Chinese sportswear giant.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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Rasmus Hojlund confirmed last month that Napoli’s qualification for the Champions League triggered a clause which will turn his loan deal permanent, ending a three-year spell as a United player.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The remark came in response to my parents turning off my bedroom light.—
Joseph O’Neill,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
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Security experts recommend turning off exterior lights overnight, but there are myriad reasons for wanting a light outside your home.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 May 2026
Verb
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The latest the series can end is June 17; the shield stopping him from answering questions — not just about his past, but his present and future — is likely to stay in place.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Texas is split down the middle on which issue should take priority — stopping voter fraud or preventing eligible citizens from being turned away at the ballot box — as a poll shows the split is not a sign of moderation but of deep partisan polarization.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
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Basically, tick tubes are cardboard tubes that have been filled with cotton that’s been treated with permethrin, a tick-killing chemical.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
Verb
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While this weekend was about celebration, the recent announcement that another USL SL club, the Spokane Zephyr, is ceasing operations after just two seasons, put the overall plans for the league’s growth in question.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Determined to focus on peace The ceasefire is looking a little more firing and a little less ceasing this morning.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The front half of the lap has braking zones.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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The information revealed that the accelerator was pressed to the floor with no signs of braking in the five seconds before the crash.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The court had ruled in favor of the attorneys’ clients, halting the deportation of three family members from India, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and the disciplinary ruling did not alter that November decision.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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However, the discomfort returned shortly after, halting his progress.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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It’s told from the perspective of a man who, ten years after cutting off his parents, reflects on their lives and on his upbringing.—
Nina Mesfin,
New Yorker,
7 June 2026
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The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting off research funding from the campuses.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shutting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shutting%20off. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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