set off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of set offnext
as in to trigger
to cause to function set off a bomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

setoff

2 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌȯf How to pronounce setoff (audio)
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

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 set off
Verb
Cue roomy suits in a subtle check with bellows pockets, set off with splayed Cuban collar shirts. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026 The morning of the wedding began with Lola kicking Freddie out of their room, before setting off on an hour-long coastal walk with her mum and bridesmaids. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Nov. 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 See All Example Sentences for set off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set off
  1. trigger
  2. ornament
  3. activate
  4. ornamentation
  5. spark
  6. decoration
  7. drive
  8. garnishment
Verb
  • The intense heat triggers a rapid reaction in which carbon bonds with silica to form silicon carbide, a ultra-hard, heat-tolerant compound.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Four days later, she was reported missing, triggering an intense search by locals, the police department and the FBI.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • There is also a personalization element, with customers able to have a festive ornament engraved or a greeting card written in calligraphy.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • There’s also a glass Bearista ornament, plush bag charm, an Owala Bearista water bottle, and a glass mug.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • After the release mechanism activates, the polymer hinges use heat to unfold the solar panels.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
  • About 32 minutes later, the camera was activated again as Derek left the apartment.
    — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • Skeletons have long served as sacred ornamentation across cultures, representing the transience of life.
    — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The cotton canvas jacket offers a very simple silhouette with little to no ornamentation—perfect for a minimalist wardrobe.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Verb
  • Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year Jessie-May Hall finally broke the game open for good by sparking a 7-0 run with five straight points as TCU entered the fourth ahead 56-41.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Ericka, being lighter-skinned than Paulina, sparks a clash between the school's headmistress and the pageant director over beauty and who would have the best chance of winning the Miss Global Universe pageant.
    — Kristian Monroe, NPR, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • Connie’s cakes, one carrot and one chocolate, took way too long to bake, and so her decoration turns out to be a little rudimentary.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The addition of silver, gold, and white decorations completes the timeless look and adds festive shine.
    — Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • When the single mother of two was without a car to drive her son, senior Daijon Overton, from his home in Woodlawn to school in Morgan Park, the coach stepped in for the right tackle, Bush said.
    — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Her husband instructed their 13-year-old son to drive his three siblings to a nearby relative's home.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • Many sought wage garnishments, but none charged as high as 18% annual interest on bills, the rate Marshall tacked on.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The women faced debts far beyond their capacity to pay, with possible wage garnishment, loss of assets and federal collection lawsuits.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of garnishment

Browse Nearby Words

set in motion
set off
setoff
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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