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

Wilson was set off by a fan sitting courtside, who believed the blocking foul to be a charge. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 The 7500 distress code, which is used to signal a possible hijacking, set off alarms at the highest levels. — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 30 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

In the device studied by the scientists, applying a voltage triggered a localized transition from an insulator to a conductor.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Gross domestic product grew over three months ending in June, defying fear of a downturn triggered by the Iran war.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

Each ornament is carefully crafted from real porcelain and measures just under three inches in size.

— Tim Chan, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
In July, 2001, at 19 years old, I was arrested with two friends for stealing lawn ornaments from people’s front yards and a park bench from outside a Home Depot.

— August Mangeney, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornament

Verb

More than 120 National Guard members were activated, part of roughly 400 statewide after the governor issued an emergency proclamation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
Business continuity treats disruption as the baseline condition and designs operations accordingly, with integrated data, predictive intelligence and prebuilt response playbooks that activate before a situation has fully materialized.

— Abha Dogra, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Noun

And brands like Cecilie Bahnsen and Dries Van Noten have reinvented the sporty shoe into something more like a collectable via unique and beautiful ornamentation.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Defined by lavish ornamentation, geometric forms, and unabashed glamour, Art Deco is having a major revival this fall.

— Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Verb

Several vehicles caught fire outside a Homestead home early Tuesday morning, with the flames spreading to the house as investigators work to determine what sparked the blaze.

— Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
The next general election does not have to be called until 2029, but Labour’s revival has sparked talk of a snap election.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of spark

Noun

Most of the reduction in tariffs is aimed at non-sensitive goods, such as agricultural products or holiday decorations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
And while there are plenty of overtly Halloween pieces, the best finds don’t feel like novelty decorations.

— Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of decoration

Verb

The nation's flood insurance program struggles to balance affordability, flood protection and cost to taxpayers, leaving millions vulnerable at a time when climate change is driving flood risk higher.

— MICHAEL PHILLIS, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
These, then collided with boron nuclei and helped drive the fusion reaction rate beyond 100 million reactions per second.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Noun

Depending on state law and the circumstances, a judgment can give a creditor access to collection tools such as wage garnishment, bank account levies or property liens.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Sep. 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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Style

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of set off

verb

noun

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