1
as in exploding
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure
specialists were able to deactivate the bomb before it went off
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in progressing
to move forward along a course
the wedding went off without so much as a single glitch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in departing
to leave a place often for another
don't go off without telling us where we can find you
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 going off
In the middle of the night, grenades are going off, people are getting shot, people are screaming, dogs are barking, the whole thing.
—
David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Think more even heat, better tasting meals, and less chance of smoke detectors going off mid-dinner, among other benefits.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
The footage shows an alarm going off on an iPhone, with a gray cat instantly jumping up and using its paws to turn it off.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
But the open kitchen concept, with local produce and jars of pickles on display for guests to touch, taste, and smell, makes going off-menu just as enticing—just ask the chef for suggestions.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Kieran Culkin going off script to call out Sean Penn’s no-show — great gear.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The same alarm that fired when Alex noticed he wasn’t included in lunch plans at work is now going off in a room full of strangers.
—Big Think, 18 Mar. 2026
Prosecutors also played several minutes of surveillance video from the facility, showing fireworks going off along the tree line next to the building.
—Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Republicans see these losses as alarms going off.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Think more even heat, better tasting meals, and less chance of smoke detectors going off mid-dinner, among other benefits.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
The footage shows an alarm going off on an iPhone, with a gray cat instantly jumping up and using its paws to turn it off.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
But the open kitchen concept, with local produce and jars of pickles on display for guests to touch, taste, and smell, makes going off-menu just as enticing—just ask the chef for suggestions.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Kieran Culkin going off script to call out Sean Penn’s no-show — great gear.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
The same alarm that fired when Alex noticed he wasn’t included in lunch plans at work is now going off in a room full of strangers.
—Big Think, 18 Mar. 2026
Prosecutors also played several minutes of surveillance video from the facility, showing fireworks going off along the tree line next to the building.
—Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Republicans see these losses as alarms going off.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for going off
Verb
-
The planes then fall together, exploding into a fireball upon impact as the crew members drift to the ground nearby.—
Rebecca Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
-
The aircraft then fall to the ground before exploding, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air.—
Greg Wehner , Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
The review confirmed that the engine’s design, manufacturing process, as well as supply chain are progressing on schedule ahead of the next development phase later this year.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
-
The entire letter to the Jubilee committee offered an optimistic view of the future in which the human race was always progressing toward freedom.—
Marianne Holdzkom,
The Conversation,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
For those who have traveled to the outbreak area, Hopkins recommends monitoring for symptoms for three weeks after departing and seeking immediate care if symptoms develop.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
Variety has learned that Luke Kirby is joining the Citytv series, while series star Aden Young is departing the show.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Cody Brundage's 44-second R2 knockout over Andre Petroski was the fastest of the night, and Khaos Williams returned to form by detonating a right hand on Nikolay Veretennikov for a vintage first-round TKO.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
Two Massachusetts men have pleaded guilty to breaking into Harvard Medical School and detonating fireworks last Halloween night, a crime that caught the eye of FBI Director Kash Patel.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Athletes are always getting bigger, stronger, and faster, and doing ever more incredible things.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
In doing so, Din becomes a traitor to his bounty hunter guild, led by Greef Karga (Carl Weathers).—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Approximately two hours later, a third shooting was reported after witnesses observed a suspect wearing a black hoodie exiting a black sedan at another apartment complex and firing through the door of a third-floor unit, police said.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
Several people were treated for ear pain after exiting an Allegiant plane that returned to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport because of cabin pressure issues Monday afternoon, according to Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue and the airline.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
-
Trump now faces a break-the-glass moment to avoid gas prices from blowing past Biden-era records highs.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
Police said officers responded to shootings involving apartment buildings and homes while going door-to-door to ensure residents had not been injured.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Going off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/going%20off. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
