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
Pyrotechnics set off at home are even more likely to trigger cardiovascular problems, the American Lung Assn. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Simply wind up your lengths and let the texture through the crown—or even some face-framing flyaways—set off the style. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 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
  1. trigger
  2. ornament
  3. activate
  4. ornamentation
  5. spark
  6. decoration
  7. drive
  8. garnishment
Verb
  • By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • The gallery posted a photo of the ornament on Instagram earlier this week.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Saleh sometimes leads painting workshops where participants can decorate items like ornaments and lampshades.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • The company told deputies that someone at the Sheriff's Office or a Flock employee could have reactivated the feature, or that a system bug could have automatically activated it.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Press down on the trigger lock switch before squeezing the trigger to activate the blade.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • Other examples of ornamentation include the scalloped crown molding in the entry hall and colorful tiling on risers of steps down to the south side of the house.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • The rear fenders are muscular without being bulky, and the tail has a clean, modern appearance that avoids excessive ornamentation.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Verb
  • His goal sparked an offensive assault from Boise as Portland sank into a deep defensive mould, with five defenders and four midfielders sitting tight in their own box.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026
  • Jon Bernthal as Menelaus Menelaus is the king whose wife Helen sparked the Trojan War.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • People in costumes marched alongside floats with advertisements and extravagantly patriotic decorations.
    — Nolan Rogalski, The Providence Journal, 5 July 2026
  • On Monday, June 29, multiple trucks were spotted outside the famous arena with workers loading equipment, grass and other decorations inside.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • The latest in Houston Salgado Araujo, 52, was driving to work with three other construction crew members when unmarked vehicles carrying federal agents began following his van, his family said.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • When Fumi takes a job at Rin’s clinic planning to expose its darker side, their standoff drives the series, with the story more interested in what pushes people toward transformation than in the surgeries themselves.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • Federal student loan default can also expose you to wage garnishment, tax refund complications, and in some cases, Social Security offsets.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Understand how your disability benefits are protected A major concern for many disability recipients is whether a debt collector can take their benefits via tools like wage garnishment or bank levies.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Definition of garnishment

Browse Nearby Words

set in motion
set off
setoff
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Cite this Entry

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of set off for Spanish Speakers

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