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
This year, Europe has been sweltering under an exceptionally hot and arid summer, with tinderbox conditions setting off unprecedented fires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate homes and vacation spots. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 That sets off a rescue mission — and also creates dangerous shifts in present-day reality. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 4 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
  • The findings provide fresh insight into how closely human behavior influences the Earth’s subtle seismic signals, while also helping to dispel the long-standing myth that eclipses can trigger earthquakes.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The annual monsoon season frequently triggers flooding in Assam, where swollen rivers inundate large areas and displace thousands of residents each year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • This outdoor ornament can become a water feature by incorporating a fountain or water garden nearby.
    — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The giant, 10,000-pound mammals provided meat, fat, hide, and bones for building structures, as well as ivory for tools, art, and ornaments.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • Compliant Technologies says the devices function as a normal pair of patrol gloves until officers press a switch to activate their electrical mode.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The attacker on the other side of the keyboard would likely be able to activate the mechanisms in the credential management app to log in to a site or download all the passwords.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 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
  • Aside from third baseman Bo Bichette’s decision about whether to opt out after this season, the Mets’ position-player group doesn’t spark many questions.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The aircraft are part of Colorado's aerial fire-detection program, which sends planes over the state looking for the heat signatures of new fires, particularly those sparked by lightning.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • When Brasden opened the door, she was met with a room filled with pink balloons, photos, decorations and food.
    — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In Target, she’d be queried about where to find the Christmas decorations.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • The project, which is expected to take two years, has brought construction noise, dust and the loss of nearby parking spaces, all of which merchants say have driven customers away.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • This heat drives the park’s geysers and hot springs while producing frequent earthquakes and gradual changes in the ground.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • Certain types of income, including Social Security benefits, disability payments and most retirement accounts, are generally protected from garnishment by regular creditors.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of set off for Spanish Speakers

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