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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of set off
Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 May 2025
The demonstrations, which were also happening in other areas of the campus, are a repeat of protests at the school that set off a nationwide movement on college campuses last year as students demanded an end to the Israel-Gaza war.
—Jonathan Dienst, NBC news, 8 May 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
The tit-for-tat measures set off a trade war with the third-largest U.S. trade partner, which accounted for nearly $440 billion worth of imports last year.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 May 2025
The demonstrations, which were also happening in other areas of the campus, are a repeat of protests at the school that set off a nationwide movement on college campuses last year as students demanded an end to the Israel-Gaza war.
—Jonathan Dienst, NBC news, 8 May 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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The question is what might be triggering the response in some patients but not others.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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That assertive spark seems triggered partly by a quiet conversation with fellow sub Kevin (Scissor Sisters lead singer Jake Shears), who has his aging dom’s name, Steve, tattooed on his ass.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2025
Noun
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The hand ornament represents the friendship between women, a spokesperson for Hu told me.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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First appearing on the marble above the fireplace, the ornaments are now also on the Oval Office walls.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Verb
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Using Pineal Glad Meditation Pineal gland meditation is a breathing technique associated with activating the pineal gland, a small gland in your brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep and wakefulness.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
12 May 2025
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Burn bans are automatically activated by Florida counties whenever the Keetch-Byram Drought Index — a scale that measures the dryness of the soil — reaches or exceeds 500.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2025
Noun
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The historic storefront, featuring a facade adorned with Renaissance and Baroque ornamentation, prominently displays the Bulgari logo in Roman capitals, set against a pelmet crafted from emerald-colored marble.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2025
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Instead the flowers in an insignia, the metal used to make a circlet, the weave of a piece of braided leather armor; any decorative detail is not mere ornamentation.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Her death was heartbreaking and sparked a national debate on immigration, culminating with the introduction of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes, shifting the debate from policy to fear.—
Laura Castañeda,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
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The documentary, now streaming on Netflix, offers a first-hand look at both sides of the complex case that has sparked debate across true crime podcasts, books, and 20/20 and 48 hour episodes.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
Noun
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The mother-of-pearl embroidery that traced a black wrap dress was inspired by the decoration on Korean wedding chests.—
Steff Yotka,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
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Lauren was planning a small birthday party for her soon-to-be 6-year-old, with the decorations ordered and the invitations sent out.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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About 150 students and 50 adults were evacuated from an elementary school in Maryland after hours of heavy rains driven by an atmospheric river caused major flooding in multiple eastern states.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Kane was synonymous with Tottenham and had spent nine years driving the team forward with mountains of goals and assists.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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The wage garnishment will continue until students get the loans out of default.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2025
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But in the past, student loan borrowers were usually given 65 days’ notice before the garnishment of their federal benefits, said higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
6 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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