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
Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 June 2025
For reasons no one can figure out, the corn crops begin to wilt and die, setting off panic.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Wilson’s songwriting grew deeper and more passionate, resulting in The Beach Boys’ 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds, which stands among the greatest albums ever made and which set off the greatest game of one-upmanship in rock history.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 June 2025
For reasons no one can figure out, the corn crops begin to wilt and die, setting off panic.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025
Noun
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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Resource and organizational constraints are triggering strategic realignments.—
Timothy J. McClimon,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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With many key military figures already killed in Israeli airstrikes and Iran's nuclear and logistical infrastructure under attack, any power vacuum could trigger instability or factional conflict.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Noun
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The proud parents coordinated with their Christmas tree, which was filled with matching ornaments.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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The white wash paint is distressed for an antique look, and the scalloped legs are accented with botanical ornaments.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
Verb
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More than 200 water spray features and water playgrounds will also be fully activated across the city by this weekend.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
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Greenberg's team was activated three days before the storm made landfall, according to Congressional testimony by then-FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
17 June 2025
Noun
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While the painting’s subjects are typically associated with hunting, their strange arrangements and Grotesque ornamentation suggest they were intended for the amusement and entertainment of the lodge’s guests.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 Apr. 2025
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Strong lines that team up to form geometric designs, metallic accents, luxe materials like marble and velvet, and eye-catching ornamentation are certainly part of the style's foundation, true.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
Verb
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What originally sparked my interest was just drawing some patterns, making some artworks, and eventually that's transformed into a full collection.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
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The 20-month war with Hamas has raged on even as Israel has opened a new front with heavy strikes on Iran that sparked retaliatory drone and missile attacks.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
Arkansas Online,
15 June 2025
Noun
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Lowe’s is the latest store to offer early Halloween decorations, with several new decorations and animatronics from Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
9 June 2025
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This photo shows the decoration from the cake of Jenita Aguilar's wedding, which is sponsored by the Pope, at her home in Tacloban City, province of Leyte on April 22, 2025, a day after Pope's death.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
Verb
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One lectured me once, another taught me how to drive, another changed my tire, and so on.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
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Blood drives at credit union The San Diego County Credit Union and the San Diego Blood Bank will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 30 at four locations in the county.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, enforcement actions like wage garnishment or bank levies may continue unchecked.—
Sakinah Tillman,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2025
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Many of those borrowers now face aggressive consequences: wage garnishment, loss of tax refunds, and cuts to Social Security benefits.—
Ben Kesslen,
Quartz,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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