SET OFF Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

set off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of set off

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

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

Jackie died last month after a weeks-long battle with a mysterious illness, setting off a torrent of heart-wrenching tributes and messages from her devoted fans who hailed from around the globe. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The inability to move the chains or protect the quarterback eventually brought an end to Stefanski's six-year run in Cleveland, setting off a massive winter teardown. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 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

Verb

Before this dilemma can play out, Hal triggers an Indiana Jones–esque booby trap inside the compound’s stronghold, summoning Macon’s men with their advanced weaponry.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
The rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

The report also alleges that Chavez-DeRemer used her staff for personal tasks, such as organizing her closet and purchasing holiday ornaments.

— Luke Barr, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Especially memorable designs include its Naga choker, wherein each gem represents ornaments worn by a different native tribe, and its Naga orchid necklace, inspired by the nearly 400 species of the flowering plant found in the region.

— Sohini Dey, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornament

Verb

The Browns always envisioned defensive tackle Maliek Collins being activated from the physically unable to perform list in time to ramp up for the opener, and Collins is on schedule.

— Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Not even in World War II had this full continuity posture been activated in this manner, and Stafford had to execute a plan the nation had trained for but never used.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

Sorcinelli’s winning drama Balcanica revolves around the encounter between a conductor and his son who flee Afghanistan after music is banned and an Italian doctor that will spark life-changing choices.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026
There’s optimism for this season sparked by Harbaugh’s arrival, but this is a tough matchup for a new defense.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of spark

Noun

Inside the Mallahi family compound, a blast tore a crater through the roof and walls, leaving floral decorations, carpets and household belongings buried in rubble and shattered glass.

— Amir Vahdat, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, the resort hosts a range of holiday programming each year, including lights, decorations, entertainment and seasonal attractions.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of decoration

Verb

Haaland, along with Martin Odegaard, was the driving force behind Norway’s run to the quarter-finals.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
If Assembly Bill 1709 is approved, social media companies would need to provide platforms to children under 16 years old that do not include personalized feeds driven by algorithms, autoplaying videos and other features.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Noun

After all, while there are protections surrounding the garnishment process, resolving an overpayment may require you to act quickly.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 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

Style

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

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Synonyms of set off

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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