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
The idea that the relationship was ending sets off alarm bells for experts like Nikki Engel, who serves as the co-executive director of Violence Free Minnesota. — Conor Wight, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 Still, nearly two years after Mangione’s shooting set off a far-reaching conversation about the healthcare industry and political violence and garnered him global notoriety, Karen Agnifilo’s own announcement to the judge landed with real gravity. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 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
  • In 2024, Kim divorced her husband, Vladislav Bakalchuk, triggering a fight for control of the company.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The protests first began in April, triggered by the death of former Chinese Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang at the age of 73.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • The first offerings will include pieces inspired by Byzantine artworks including imperial medallions, architectural ornaments, and statuary.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to his ornament, Hynes is also gearing up for the release of his 2026 Countdown to Christmas movie The Nights Before Christmas, which was inspired in part by the actor’s love of Groundhog Day and the Back to the Future trilogy.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • Marrelli can activate off the blue line, create off the rush, has a good point shot and shows instincts to hit seams as well.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The sirens were accidentally activated by DuPage Public Safety Communications.
    — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • Clad in pine paneling, the cabins go light on ornamentation, instead emphasizing the surrounding landscape.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Master model designer Milan Madge incorporated metallic gold elements and raised textures to capture the original's rich ornamentation and depth.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Verb
  • The Lincoln has been at sea for an extended deployment during the Iran war, which sparked concerns among lawmakers and military families after reports of the crew’s worsening mental health and conditions aboard.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While ChatGPT’s release in late 2022, helped spark a flurry of competition and advances for large language models, the same idea isn’t easily applied to robots because of their complexity.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • The decorations actually carry years of family memories, which makes deciding what stays especially personal.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Animated figures and other Christmas decorations that don’t work may still make a great display piece for someone.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • Recordings of Rajab’s call with paramedics gained international attention, driving calls for accountability for her killing and that of thousands of other children in Gaza.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index, also released Friday, showed greater pessimism about the economy this month, likely driven by stubbornly high prices.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • In addition to the calls and letters demanding payment, borrowers often wonder what a debt collector could actually take through a garnishment if the debt remains unpaid.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Defaulting on your student loans can tank your credit score and trigger even more serious consequences, including wage garnishment.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of garnishment

Browse Nearby Words

set in motion
set off
setoff
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Cite this Entry

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of set off for Spanish Speakers

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