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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
For women, a plaid dress featured a keyhole detail set off by a shoe buckle — shoes being an unlikely inspiration for the collection. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 Researchers and industry experts believe the first company to master that process could set off an exponential cycle of progress, pulling so far ahead that competitors can no longer catch up. — Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 24 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
  1. trigger
  2. ornament
  3. activate
  4. ornamentation
  5. spark
  6. decoration
  7. drive
  8. garnishment
Verb
  • Georgia Tech engineers have developed a wireless networking system that lets tiny implants communicate through body tissue, potentially allowing sensors in one part of the body to trigger treatment somewhere else.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than simply flagging when a live stream has broken, Pixentinel aims to determine where a failure originated supplu evidence to the diagnosis and, where possible, automatically trigger a response.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • Library patron Betsie Hale did quilling years ago when her children were in grammar school, making Christmas ornaments on white paper with pearls or rhinestones for her kids to give away as presents.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The tree works as a countdown calendar, as kids can fill in each day with a magnetic ornament.
    — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • Gonzalez Reyes then returned to his vehicle and drove away with its police-style siren activated, investigators said.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Nicotine activates reward pathways in the brain, which can create a temporary sense of pleasure and well-being.
    — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • Freedom, mobility; who gets to be an artist; style, ornamentation, artifice; work, leisure; the counterculture; the denigration of femininity; West Coast oddballism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The rhinestone ornamentation doubled as a girly and whimsical photo-op.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Verb
  • Meta Platforms' launch of its Muse AI agent app and Nebius's move to raise rental rates on AI computing access seemed to spark the buying spurt in related AI stocks.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The partnership has sparked outrage and calls for boycotts from some fans, who view the deal as conflicting with the team's past progressive actions.
    — Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • Others came hoping to find unique decorations and one-of-a-kind pieces not available in traditional retail stores.
    — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Garage Clutter Seasonal decorations, sports equipment, old tools, outdoor gear, and miscellaneous boxes often end up in the garage with no real plan for what happens next.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • Its onboard offerings, wide array of itineraries and shore excursions—particularly those that are food and wine-driven—easily combine education, adventure, and good fun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The real Johnny Drama stayed at your house for months, and one of the others drove your kids to school.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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