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
Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
In comparison, Martha's male peach golden pheasant has a lot of white set off by a light, shiny golden breast and body and a full peachy ruff, while the females have a much duller coloring.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Mar. 2026
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
After all, talking to a defiant teen can be like tiptoeing through a minefield—the smallest misstep could set off an argument.
—Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
In comparison, Martha's male peach golden pheasant has a lot of white set off by a light, shiny golden breast and body and a full peachy ruff, while the females have a much duller coloring.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Mar. 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
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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An anonymous tip in August 2025 triggered a swift investigation, leading to Mays’ arrest and a sting operation the next month.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Sure, the Oscar-winning makeup helps transform the actor into Cheney, but the voice and petulance are all Bale, whose conjuring of this scoundrel ought to trigger PTSD for anyone who survived the Dubya years.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This ornament, situating them as something between a throw pillow and a hand muff, shrouds the thick-boned fore- and hindquarters that give them a characteristic rolling gait.—
Andrew Norman Wilson,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
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Putting up the Christmas tree last year with ornaments Ryan and his sister made was tough, Gary said.—
Emma Hurt,
AJC.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
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The crash caused severe front-end damage to the sedan and activated its airbags, video from news-gathering agency OnScene shows.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Some of those preservationists led efforts at least to rescue parts of the building — including John Vinci and Richard Nickel, who saved the whole interior of the trading room and other ornamentation.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
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Too much ornamentation can become quickly dated.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The conflict was sparked by Hezbollah targeting Israel after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, breaking a 2024 ceasefire that in any case had largely failed.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
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The increase would make LAX rides among the world’s most expensive, sparking opposition from Uber, Lyft, travelers, and state lawmakers.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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He was awarded a top decoration for service.—
Scott Pelley,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.—
Michael Dorgan , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Yet, Whitman-Hanson had one final gasp, as Pierre drove to the basket.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
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The neighborhood/area The immediate neighborhood around the resort doesn’t offer much beyond lush greenery, but drive about 15 minutes west to find the famous Alona Beach, a particularly scenic strip of sand bookended by dramatic rock walls.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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After all, the garnishment process can be slow and administratively burdensome, so many creditors are open to settling even after an order is in place.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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This carries even more serious consequences, potentially including wage garnishment.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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