as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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 setting off
Officials say the safest way to celebrate Independence Day is by attending one of the many professional fireworks shows scheduled across the Bay Area rather than setting off fireworks at home.
—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
Major League Baseball then issued a warning, setting off a firestorm of controversy, criticism and a referral for an investigation from the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Abiodun said two people were killed on Monday, setting off violence on Wednesday in which 15 people were burned to death in a house, and another person was killed at a different place.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Other videos show fans setting off fireworks in the street and getting quickly arrested.
—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
Testimony by other eyewitnesses was used to corroborate defense claims that New Year’s revelers were setting off fireworks in the area that night.
—
Jack Hannah,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Three city councilmembers, including the mayor, in the San Joaquin Valley community are refusing to give up their seats after voters overwhelmingly recalled them in April, setting off a political standoff that has spilled onto social media, into packed public meetings, and now into the courts.
—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
19 June 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Senior first baseman Kaitlyn Streiler suffered a broken hand on April 18, setting off a chain reaction that included Beals shifting to first.
—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Maddie White,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
Major League Baseball then issued a warning, setting off a firestorm of controversy, criticism and a referral for an investigation from the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Abiodun said two people were killed on Monday, setting off violence on Wednesday in which 15 people were burned to death in a house, and another person was killed at a different place.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Other videos show fans setting off fireworks in the street and getting quickly arrested.
—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
Testimony by other eyewitnesses was used to corroborate defense claims that New Year’s revelers were setting off fireworks in the area that night.
—
Jack Hannah,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Three city councilmembers, including the mayor, in the San Joaquin Valley community are refusing to give up their seats after voters overwhelmingly recalled them in April, setting off a political standoff that has spilled onto social media, into packed public meetings, and now into the courts.
—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
19 June 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Senior first baseman Kaitlyn Streiler suffered a broken hand on April 18, setting off a chain reaction that included Beals shifting to first.
—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
-
Kyiv’s forces have especially targeted supplies to Crimea, triggering the worst fuel crisis on the Black Sea peninsula since it was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 and delivering a blow to the Kremlin’s narrative that Moscow is winning the war.
-
Instead, the ultra-rich often hold onto their assets, allowing unrealized gains on stocks, bonds and other investments to compound in value for years without triggering taxes.
Verb
-
In her first year activating, Rowe said, Her Fantasy Box arrived with 20,000 units and left with none.
-
In Bridgeport, officials are activating the cooling center protocol from Wednesday through Friday.
Verb
-
LeBron James is reportedly leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons and one championship, sparking widespread speculation about his next move and Bronny James's future.
-
The protests became a flash point, sparking similar incidents in several other cities in Tennessee and at least one in Florida.
Verb
-
Also boosting demand and driving ticket prices for Saturday’s game is the fact that 41-year-old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 669 million Instagram followers, is captain of the Portuguese team and has said this World Cup will be his last, making each appearance a high-profile event.
-
Tire pressure sensors are vital to a vehicle’s health, especially when driving on pothole and junk-laden Atlanta streets.
Verb
-
Letting the temperature rise slightly during the day means the system isn't turning on and off rapidly all afternoon.
-
Sokolowski also recommends wearing rubber or nitrile gloves to prevent skin irritation, and opening windows or turning on a kitchen exhaust fan before, during, and for a bit after cleaning.
Verb
-
The university prepared to wash its hands of this important part of its legacy, touching off a furious backlash.
-
With two minutes left in the period, Parayko ran Yurov into the boards from behind, touching off a fight between the Blues’ defenseman and Trenin.
Verb
-
Why China is moving fast with robot hospitality China has already embraced service robots in hotels, restaurants, airports and public spaces.
-
Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
