setoff

noun

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set·off | \ ˈset-ˌȯf

Definition of setoff

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something that is set off against another thing:

a : decoration, ornament

b : compensation, counterbalance

2 : the reduction or discharge of a debt or claim by setting against it a distinct claim in favor of the debtor or party who is the object of the first claim (as in a lawsuit) also : the offsetting claim itself

3 : offset sense 3b

set off

verb

set off; setting off; sets off

Definition of set off (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to put in relief : show up by contrast

b : adorn, embellish

c : to set apart : make distinct or outstanding

2a : offset, compensate more variety in the Lancashire weather to set off its most disagreeable phases — Geog. Jour.

b : to make a setoff of the respective totals shall be set off against one another— O. R. Hobson

3a : to set in motion : cause to begin

b : to cause to explode

4 : to measure off on a surface

intransitive verb

: to start out on a course or a journey set off for home

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About setoff

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Examples of setoff in a Sentence

Noun the architect used stone carvings as setoffs for the building's marble facing

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The breaking news photography prize was shared by 10 AP photographers for their coverage of the protests set off by Floyd’s killing. — Michael Hill, Anchorage Daily News, 11 June 2021 The breaking news photography prize was shared by 10 AP photographers for their coverage of the protests set off by Floyd’s killing. — Michael Hill, chicagotribune.com, 11 June 2021 The breaking news photography prize was shared by 10 AP photographers for their coverage of the protests set off by Floyd's killing. — Michael Hill, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021 As Fortune has previously explained, this historic lumber shortage was spurred by a perfect storm of factors set off during the pandemic. — Fortune, 10 June 2021 After all, there are no flares being set off in the stands in the US. — Mike Mazzeo, Forbes, 7 June 2021 The dark berry and plum aromas that open are set off by mocha, black pepper, and lovely violets. — Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 7 June 2021 The deaths set off months of protests, some of which ended in violent and even deadly police crackdowns. — Jason Silverstein, CBS News, 4 June 2021 An exchange between a priest and a class of 7th-graders set off a flood of complaints and an appeal to Cardinal Wilton Gregory. — Washington Post, 28 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'setoff.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near setoff

setness

setnet

set nut

setoff

set off

set-off man

setoff sheet

Statistics for setoff

Cite this Entry

“Setoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setoff. Accessed 24 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for setoff

set-off

noun

\ ˈset-ˌȯf \

Legal Definition of set-off

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the reduction or discharge of a debt by setting against it a claim in favor of the debtor specifically : the reduction or discharge of a party's debt or claim by an assertion of another claim arising out of another transaction or cause of action against the other party

2a : a right to seek reduction or discharge of a debt or claim by countering a party's claim with an independent claim

b : a counterclaim made by a defendant against a plaintiff for reduction or discharge of a debt by reason of an independent debt owed by the plaintiff to the defendant — compare recoupment sense 2

set off

transitive verb

Legal Definition of set off (Entry 2 of 2)

: to reduce or discharge by set-off : offset