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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of set off
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
When aimed toward Earth, these sorts of eruptions can set off brilliant auroras, disrupt satellites and disturb power systems.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 29 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
The month-long blockade by the JNIM armed group has set off long queues at petrol stations in Bamako and other major cities, grinding economic activity to a halt.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
When aimed toward Earth, these sorts of eruptions can set off brilliant auroras, disrupt satellites and disturb power systems.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 29 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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Akaganeite gripped pollutants most strongly, but lepidocrocite had more chemically active sites that triggered faster bond breaking.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
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But Novo Nordisk launched a takeover bid Thursday valuing the biotech at around $6 billion, or up to $9 billion, triggering a deadline of four business days for Pfizer to renegotiate its offer.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The new line includes silk pajamas, cozy sweaters, charming ornaments, and more holiday-ready treasures.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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More than 200 ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities will adorn the state Christmas tree, furnished courtesy of the state Department of Developmental Services.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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National Guard troops have been staging at Portland training bases for weeks while the legal case plays out, having been activated to protect federal officials and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility that has been the focal point of daily protests since June.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Comparable in size to the Arc de Triomphe, the Porte Monumentale also contained surface ornamentation based on Haeckel’s exacting lifelong documentation of organisms to be found in the world’s oceans.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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The Cabinet Room of the White House has also gotten some golden ornamentation added.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The potential use of AI in esports — or competitive gaming — has sparked debate, however.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
1 Nov. 2025
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Several pardons and commutations issued by former President Joe Biden sparked controversy.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Jump down for more can’t-miss deals on inflatable outdoor Christmas decorations.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
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The monkey got spooked from an animatronic decoration and sought refuge in the ceiling.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Not in any explicit way—my father wasn’t the cranky, alcoholic ex-minor league baseball player who drove around Los Angeles with his pool cleaning equipment in the back of his Cadillac convertible played by Matthau.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Holcomb had driven all the way from Heber Springs with her daughter at the prospect of free food.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In 2024, when the court ordered the wage garnishment, Lopez earned an annual salary of $28,419 for serving as a Unified Government commissioner, according to the Kansas Policy Institute.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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