as in to trigger
to cause to function
set off a bomb
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ornament
something that decorates or beautifies
the architect used stone carvings as setoffs for the building's marble facing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of set off
Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
An embarrassed Penny sprints away, setting off a chain of events that intertwine their lives.
—Sarah Kate Ellis, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
That setoff a worldwide hunt for the impact site.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Lopez’s hiring in Miami set off something of a ripple effect among local law enforcement agencies, with Miami Springs Police Chief Matthew Castillo taking over Lopez’s position as the top cop in Doral.
—Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
An embarrassed Penny sprints away, setting off a chain of events that intertwine their lives.
—Sarah Kate Ellis, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Noun
That setoff a fast-moving timeline that will ultimately determine if third graders who fall short on the test will move on to fourth grade or be held back.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
That setoff a worldwide hunt for the impact site.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set off
Verb
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An antigen is the active ingredient in a vaccine meant to trigger an immune-system response and fight off infection.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
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The benchmark has triggered frequent northern lights showings since then, though auroral activity is expected to lessen the more time passes from the cycle’s peak.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Some products are designed with utility in mind, while others can double as an attractive ornament in the garden.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
-
A lot of ornaments and tinsel on the Christmas tree.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Verb
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At the intersection of North Green Hills Drive, the statement said, the driver activated a turn signal, then canceled it and kept going straight ahead.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
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In response to the advisory, the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has activated an emergency outreach plan.—
Miami Herald Staff Report,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2026
Noun
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Lupo believes his business is one the few compo-ornamentation outfits still operating in the United States.—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
12 June 2026
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Elk and bear tooth pendants were also common items of ornamentation, and important community members were buried with those adornments.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Verb
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For the first time since joining international competition, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, marking a milestone achievement for the nation's soccer program and sparking celebrations among Jordanians around the world.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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The crash sparked a fire that destroyed the aircraft, which was operating as a skydiving flight, according to the NTSB.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Noun
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Inside England’s media center The media center has some cool decorations.—
Pete Grathoff
June 14,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
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Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of the platform and for decoration in general.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
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In other words, the current combination of US political tensions and global conflicts are driving more US nationals to seek new options overseas.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Naturally, Ohtani also singled, doubled, walked and drove in two runs in that game.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Noun
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At that point, the money could become vulnerable to bank levies, garnishments or other collection efforts, provided that a creditor has legal authority to pursue them.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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The consequences for failing to meet your tax obligations can range from late fees and collection notices to wage garnishment and property liens.—
John Csiszar,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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