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 latest flare-up coincided with a historic trip by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan’s rival India, triggering concern in Islamabad.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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But the 0% bracket could be a chance to rebalance or diversify your brokerage account without triggering a tax bill.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The event features nearly two dozen local artisans and small businesses selling their goods, ranging from ornaments, decor and jewelry to soaps, quilts and baked goods.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
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Humphrey merch popped up — hats, T-shirts, Christmas ornaments and even shot glasses went up for sale at bait shops and gas stations.—
Helen Harlan,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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It’s expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
12 Oct. 2025
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Aside from strengthening the body and improving posture, practicing downward dog also activates blood circulation and may improve digestion.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
11 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
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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
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Shortly after its dawn, dresses produced by Paris’ leading fashion houses, such as Poiret, Chanel and Lanvin, were envisaged with the same geometric, linear designs and intricate decorations that were characteristic of the revolutionary movement.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
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In the United States, Halloween ranks second in consumer spending on treats, gifts, and decorations, following Christmas.—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
13 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 19 Oct. 2025.
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