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
Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The book took on a life beyond its pages, in the hotels, cafes, spas, and beaches where legions of its readers set off seeking their own transformative journeys.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 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
Without a deal between the states, the bureau will implement its own plan — a move that will likely set off costly litigation that takes years to resolve.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The book took on a life beyond its pages, in the hotels, cafes, spas, and beaches where legions of its readers set off seeking their own transformative journeys.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 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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Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining chain reaction where a little bit of pressure or heat starts producing even more heat, leading to a rapid rise in temperature that can trigger deadly fires or explosions.—
Jan Wagner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Some financial advisors question whether Trump account gifts meet that criteria, which could trigger gift tax return filing requirements.—
Jessica Dickler,Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fill the base with white sand and a handful of small ornaments for interest at the base (the sand will also keep the display from tipping over).—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
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Kelly green walls, golden chandeliers and vibrant red ornaments set the stage for a dining experience set to a '50s playlist of Sinatra and Dean Martin.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The garage sprinkler system had activated, helping control the fire prior to the department’s arrival, according to officials.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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His photographs vibrate with the excess of their ornamentation, with an audacity of presence that exceeds the realm of the emblematic.—
Zoë Hopkins,
New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2026
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Its tapered legs and subtle ornamentation give it an old world quality that still looks right at home in a contemporary designscape.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another chart provides a clue to the massive error in revenue projections by Newsom’s budget staff in 2022 which sparked the spending surge.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
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The first meeting, held at a Chinese restaurant in Lima on December 26, sparked controversy after images showed the president entering the establishment wearing a hood.—
CNN staff,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The white-tablecloth service transforms the casual diner into a romantic destination featuring festive decorations and a specialty menu.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Feb. 2026
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Not far from the festival, many families visited the Grand Century Mall in San Jose's Little Saigon neighborhood, shopping for groceries and decorations ahead of the holiday.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Molecular motion drives repair In earlier animal studies, a single injection 24 hours after severe injury enabled mice to regain the ability to walk within weeks.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management advised the public to secure loose outdoor items, watch for falling branches, and use caution while driving or walking.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Many of its cases involve more complex situations, such as wage garnishments, bank levies or tax liens.—
Deane Biermeier,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Federal student loan borrowers who were bracing for wage garnishment got a major change of plans last month.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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