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
Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
As George, Charlotte and Louis set off on a new school year, there's another major change ahead for their family.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Sep. 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
After saving Pugsley from Isaac, Francoise and Tyler, Wednesday sets off with Fester (Fred Armisen) and Thing to spend her summer searching for Enid.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
As George, Charlotte and Louis set off on a new school year, there's another major change ahead for their family.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Sep. 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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By repeatedly claiming that adverse court rulings would trigger depression-level economic catastrophe, the president has effectively told investors exactly how severe the disruption could be.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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Such a move could trigger a separation-of-powers showdown, though one that some legal experts say could be fruitless due to years of precedent preventing such lawsuits.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Their distinctive products include lowball tumblers, decanters, and pitchers as well as decor like holiday ornaments.—
Caroline Rogers,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
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Start by selecting a focal point, such as the Grand Duchess Tree or a statement yard piece, then build around it using garlands, mini trees, or complementary ornaments.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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By that point though, United had activated on signing Senne Lammens.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Follow the link above to activate the best FanDuel promo code offer.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Born into postwar optimism in the mid-20th century, the movement favored steel, concrete, and insulated glass in defiance of ornamentation.—
Will Speros,
Architectural Digest,
3 Sep. 2025
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Barnsdall is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Los Angeles commission, Hollyhock House, with its commanding monolithic forms, geometric ornamentation, and modern take on Mayan Revival architecture.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The fire is assumed to have been sparked by lightning.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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The federal government filed two lawsuits Thursday against Southern California Edison, alleging the utility’s equipment sparked fires including January’s Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles area, which destroyed more than 9,400 structures and killed 17 people.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The festivities included a catered spread of food, themed decorations and a special gift from the brand.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
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Keep scrolling for more Halloween decorations from Pottery Barn’s clearance section for up to 50% off.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The woman who was driving the vehicle was fatally injured and a man riding in the vehicle was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Sep. 2025
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The question of whether driving barefoot is safe isn't so cut and dry.—
Georgea Kovanis,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Wage garnishment would be a major shift from Biden-era policies that allowed for student loan deferment and forgiveness in some cases.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
29 Aug. 2025
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If Darjean ultimately prevails, he will be entitled to pursue collection efforts, potentially including garnishment of Sanders’ NFL income.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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