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
Abby Monteil, Them., 15 Oct. 2025
In the third set, Rockland got the first point of the set off an attack error; however, East Bridgewater carried play from there via strong blocking and their stout offense, completing the sweep with a 25-19 victory.
—Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
That setoff a worldwide hunt for the impact site.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
In the Disney+ series of the same name, rebellious princess Kit (Bottoms’ Ruby Cruz) sets off on a dangerous quest to rescue her twin brother from dastardly forces of evil.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 15 Oct. 2025
In the third set, Rockland got the first point of the set off an attack error; however, East Bridgewater carried play from there via strong blocking and their stout offense, completing the sweep with a 25-19 victory.
—Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
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
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 proteins casein and whey in dairy products may trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
21 Oct. 2025
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Homes were left without electricity, and the rains are triggering flooding and landslides along highways and roads.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Hanging ornaments with care can be one of the highlights of the holiday season, but untangling wads of string lights is far less enjoyable.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
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Thankfully Etsy sells troves of vintage ornaments to start your own traditions or recreate the supermodel’s holiday style.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman were activated, with Denzel starting and making the first tackle.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which automatically activate your taillights.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This interplay underscored a broader theme: form itself can be a form of ornamentation.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Sep. 2025
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Around her neck, a rope of heavy onyx beads provided practical ornamentation.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Delaware’s 1913 gamble helped spark a century of American dynamism.—
Jan Hammer,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
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The announcement of the ROG Xbox Allys and Xbox’s partnership with Asus also sparked some confusion over whether Xbox was out of the in-house-made console game.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Hanging decor, like lights and cobwebs, are the most popular Halloween decorations according to the survey.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
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Your pumpkins are styled on the front porch, colorful mums are blooming by the door, and Halloween decorations have transformed the house with the perfect fall theme—but there’s just one thing missing.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The politically motivated preemption of the late-night program following host Jimmy Kimmel's brief remarks regarding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk drove a massive wave of Disney+ subscription cancellations, a new report from the research firm Antenna shows, per The New York Times.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Oct. 2025
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Fortune reports on air traffic controllers who are driving for Uber and DoorDash to make ends meet.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And people wrote letters to the courts saying wage garnishment would exacerbate their already dire financial situations.—
Rae Ellen Bichell,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
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In Virginia, the state's conservative Republican governor this year signed a measure restricting wage garnishment and capping interest rates.—
Noam Levey,
NPR,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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