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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Still, despite the squad’s positivity, the match triggered a lot of bad memories in the minds of Spain fans everywhere ahead of what many thought could be an excellent chance to earn the nation’s second World Cup.—
Patrick Sung Cuadrado,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
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In February, an exposure at a state high school wrestling championship triggered at least 46 cases among attendees.—
Devi Shastri,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Noun
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These ornaments were originally intended to symbolize speed, elegance and technological optimism.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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In one clip, Horner could be seen holding a ring box that had been hung like an ornament on a Christmas tree.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2026
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The previous phases decompress, mobilize and activate individual areas; this one integrates all of those aspects into coordinated, whole-body functional movement.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
Noun
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The pop-up will display 20 pieces designed by Musa, as well as art depicting the dental ornamentation.—
Madeline Montgomery,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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Even the rarest materials—Basra pearls, Golconda diamonds—get new life in a striking pair of earrings from Santi that mimic Maharaja ornamentation without feeling like ancient relics.—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
18 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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Minimize decorations if your storage is displayed.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
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Dotted across Saudi Arabia’s dark green home jersey are symmetrical lavender squares or diamond shapes, a tribute to doorway decoration — namely geometric, triangular architecture — commonly seen in homes in the kingdom.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Those moves unfold in the heart of the Pittsburgh Innovation District, where Oakland’s mix of universities, hospitals and startups is driving new construction and intensifying competition for space around campus.—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
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The shooting took place in Towson Circle as the Majied and the suspect were driving in different cars.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Noun
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Understand how your disability benefits are protected A major concern for many disability recipients is whether a debt collector can take their benefits via tools like wage garnishment or bank levies.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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Content oversight provided by Studio 1847 When a creditor obtains a court order, a portion of a worker’s paycheck can be subject to garnishment.—
Ascend Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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