go off

Definition of go offnext
1
as in to explode
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 go off Everything breaks, guns go off, an illusionist loses his clothes and jumps fully nude into the crowd — all within the first five minutes. Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Rogers was allegedly evasive when asked how his truck had gone off the road and down an embankment and started to walk away from the trooper toward a nearby picnic table with a crossbow and several arrows on it, state police said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 Before anyone could tap their heels on the floor and start the party, though, fire sprinklers went off unexpectedly in a nearby hotel room, forcing everyone to evacuate the building. Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In a few months, Abdeen’s siblings, cousins, and uncles would go off on their annual Christmastime hunts. Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for go off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for go off
Verb
  • That explodes into action in one startlingly seedy scene involving a rape in full view of revelers at a hotel party.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • That was the moment a suicide bomb exploded just outside Abbey Gate on August 26th, killing 13 American service members and more than 160 Afghan civilians.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Lake County prosecutors filed to detain Fisher, and he was ordered to remain in jail as his case progresses through the court system.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Technical objectives and operational milestones are expected to be disclosed as the programs progress.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And with players in major European leagues still able to depart their clubs beyond the deadline, there is potential for big deals to still be done in the coming days.
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Four years after succeeding founder Virgil Abloh as the creative lead at Off-White, Ib Kamara has departed the brand.
    Luke Leitch, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, Lai explained that the launcher could, in theory, deliver explosive payloads designed to detonate near a target.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The informants allegedly met with Bowie on Wednesday and provided her with an inert explosive device and an inert handgun along with instructions on how to detonate the explosive, the complaint said.
    Jack Date, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As Korean growth picks up, President Lee Jae Myung could be excused for thinking his job as an economic reformer is done.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Quarterback Jack Strand made the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-man roster Sunday, and running back Tyler Goodson did not.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After exiting brick-and-mortar retail at Ulta seven years ago, Laura Geller is doubling back — and this time, wants to do it right.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Drivers headed east can exit at Northwest 17th Avenue, continue south across Northwest Seventh Street and turn left at Southwest First Street.
    Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With automatic runner Jase Bowen on second base, Jake Cronenworth popped up a bunt, Bowen was thrown out trying to steal third and Machado struck out looking.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • As the video popped up on social media and the Spanish-language Facebook group Danbury Al Dia, Hernandez grew uneasy.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And there was already precedent at the state level, in Massachusetts, of courts allowing this kind of claim to proceed.
    Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Although the move doesn't guarantee that the investment plans will proceed, removing the terror designation is an important step forward for investment.
    Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Go off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/go%20off. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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