1
as in stops
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kills
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 shuts off
So nothing shuts off overnight.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
This shuts off the engine at stoplights or when idling, and restarts it once the accelerator is pressed.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
This device recognizes when nature brings the water that your lawn needs and shuts off automatic sprinklers.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Heybike has included several safety features like a magnetic kill switch that shuts off the power if the rider disconnects from the bike, a reverse assist that helps you back out of tight places, and throttle reset protection, which guards against unintentional launches.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Each treatment lasts three minutes and automatically shuts off when it's done.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Grant leads his mother down the steps as Rose shuts off the light.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
The keyboard also comes with a pairable mouse that automatically shuts off the user’s webcam when it’s placed on an accompanying dock.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
Taliban shuts off Afghanistan internet nationwide Afghanistan imposed a nationwide internet blackout, the latest sign of the Taliban government’s increasingly severe rule.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
This shuts off the engine at stoplights or when idling, and restarts it once the accelerator is pressed.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
This device recognizes when nature brings the water that your lawn needs and shuts off automatic sprinklers.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Heybike has included several safety features like a magnetic kill switch that shuts off the power if the rider disconnects from the bike, a reverse assist that helps you back out of tight places, and throttle reset protection, which guards against unintentional launches.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Each treatment lasts three minutes and automatically shuts off when it's done.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Grant leads his mother down the steps as Rose shuts off the light.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
The keyboard also comes with a pairable mouse that automatically shuts off the user’s webcam when it’s placed on an accompanying dock.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
Taliban shuts off Afghanistan internet nationwide Afghanistan imposed a nationwide internet blackout, the latest sign of the Taliban government’s increasingly severe rule.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shuts off
Verb
-
This court order temporarily stops most collection activities, including lawsuits, wage garnishments, bank levies and collection calls.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
The team stops functioning as a unit and starts behaving as a collection of individuals.—
Rick Burton,
Sportico.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Hundreds of hospitals had adopted an algorithm from electronic health record company Epic that promised to alert physicians to predicted cases of sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection that kills more than 350,000 people in the United States every year.—
Katie Palmer,
STAT,
12 May 2026
-
The oxygen bleach solution is gentle on the vinyl siding but kills mold, mildew, and most other types of bacteria or fungus.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The archaeologists and researchers of the Israel Antiquities Authority are constantly at work because this city never ceases to surprise.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
-
The imposing tower never ceases to amaze local resident Ogden Driskill, whose family has ranched on the land at its base for generations.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Luke turns off his targeting computer and blows up the Death Star.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
-
However, if there is an actual issue—such as a faulty oxygen sensor heater—clearing the code only turns off the light temporarily without fixing the problem.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
But Polis, whose final term ends early next year, will also leave office having checked off some issues that have lingered for years.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
-
Co-owner Danielle Dore said the move ends 52 years of renting and will bring more seating, a dog-friendly patio and the same all-day breakfast focus.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
As the federal government halts plans to address climate change, states, cities, regions, and even neighborhoods are trying to fill the gap by cutting climate pollution and adapting to extreme weather.—
Ellis Juhlin,
NPR,
18 May 2026
-
But Ho's order now halts that effective date.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The man looks down almost immediately after the light turns on when the light deactivates.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
This higher temperature darkens the paste, slightly caramelizes the sugar, and deactivates enzymes that would otherwise break down pectin, resulting in a thicker, more cooked-tasting product.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As the rocket’s core stage cuts off, the zero G indicator will begin to float, identifying the moment when the crew is officially in space.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Turning your phone off or using airplane mode cuts off wireless communication while still allowing alarms to work.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shuts off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shuts%20off. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
