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
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025
While the House is scheduled to leave town Friday for a week back in their districts, the speaker set off his own fireworks -- telling his conference that members will not be dismissed for recess until the House approves the Senate’s changes.
—Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Against the backdrop of the December Revolution and a civil war in Sudan, two sisters set off on a displacement journey turned adventure, through rural Sudan to East Africa.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025
While the House is scheduled to leave town Friday for a week back in their districts, the speaker set off his own fireworks -- telling his conference that members will not be dismissed for recess until the House approves the Senate’s changes.
—Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Noun
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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With many key military figures already killed in Israeli airstrikes and Iran's nuclear and logistical infrastructure under attack, any power vacuum could trigger instability or factional conflict.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
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At high levels, free radicals trigger what’s known as oxidative stress, which can damage cell DNA and increase your risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.78 4.—
Cynthia Sass,
Health,
23 June 2025
Noun
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The proud parents coordinated with their Christmas tree, which was filled with matching ornaments.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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The white wash paint is distressed for an antique look, and the scalloped legs are accented with botanical ornaments.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Greenberg's team was activated three days before the storm made landfall, according to Congressional testimony by then-FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
17 June 2025
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Alternative Option: Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine electric-only driving (typically 20–50 miles) with a gasoline engine that activates when the battery is depleted.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Their handbags would be architectural in shape, sleek and spare of overwrought ornamentation.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2025
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The Raw Edition from Copenhagen Distillery is a clear statement of intent, avoiding ornamentation and putting instead process and material at the forefront.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Iran supreme leader claims ‘victory’ in first public comments Khamenei’s silence since the war began had sparked intense speculation as to his whereabouts.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
27 June 2025
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Judges have issued dozens of nationwide injunctions in lawsuits that have been brought over Trump administration policies in the months since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, sparking the ire of the president and his allies as much of his agenda has been blocked in court.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Along with a glimmering Christmas display of ornaments and decorations, the Guamans have collections of garden and holiday gnomes.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2025
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For some, July 4th gatherings focus on fireworks, games, and decorations.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
16 June 2025
Verb
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One lectured me once, another taught me how to drive, another changed my tire, and so on.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
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Blood drives at credit union The San Diego County Credit Union and the San Diego Blood Bank will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 30 at four locations in the county.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2025
Noun
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That would open up the possibility of garnishment, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
24 June 2025
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So people who are facing a smaller federal benefit as a result of garnishment are likely in a panic, said Nancy Nierman, assistant director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program in New York.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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