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
Relevance
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
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 shutting off
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
Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE are shutting off wells as storage tanks overflow.
—Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
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
Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE are shutting off wells as storage tanks overflow.
—Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shutting off
Verb
-
Announced Tuesday, the Mavericks and Kidd mutually agreed to part ways, ending a coaching tenure that began in 2021 and concluded with an even 205-205 regular-season record.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2026
-
Cuffe redshirted during the Jayhawks’ 2022 national championship season and then played in just two games for head coach Bill Self before suffering a season-ending injury in 2022-23.—
Gary Bedore
May 18,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Perhaps turning off the replies would have been the move, although that also would have drawn attention.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Those unable to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping should have a parent remain close enough to reach them.—
Laura Berrios,
AJC.com,
19 May 2026
-
The storm never fully fired, and Lisius and George eventually made their way back to Arlington, stopping for tacos along the way.—
Emily Holshouser
May 19,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Is God Is is a story about twin sisters Racine (Kara Young) and Anaia (Mallori Johnson), tasked with killing their abusive, absentee father at the request of their mother.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
19 May 2026
-
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,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
In the wake of Spirit Airlines suddenly ceasing operations on May 2, another airline is offering new direct flights – with three new routes coming to Pittsburgh International Airport.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
-
The album consists of 10 tracks where the challenge has been to evolve without ceasing to be myself.—
Sarah Moreno
May 7,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Climbing into the hills of Emilia-Romagna, the Miura SV reveals a balance of speed, body control, and braking ability that feel well-matched.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
18 May 2026
-
There was also no indication of braking.—
Katie Mather,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
However, by the time Gordon completed the zoning process to transform the farmhouse, the 2008 financial crisis hit, halting her plans.—
William Deffaa,
Baltimore Sun,
14 May 2026
-
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating electrons to stabilize reactive molecules without becoming harmful themselves, thereby halting oxidative damage and protecting cells and tissues.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Among the opening acts of World War I, Britain severed Germany’s key telegraph cables, cutting off its communications with its forces.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
-
That includes Moscow cutting off natural gas supplies to Europe in retaliation for sanctions the West imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shutting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shutting%20off. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
