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
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 15 May 2025
Also during the conclave, advocates for women’s ordination set off pink smoke flares over the Vatican to protest their exclusion from the priesthood and the election process.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
An emergency alert for Lakeville was sent to a wider area than intended Thursday, setting off alarms on cellphones — including for St. Paul residents.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 15 May 2025
Also during the conclave, advocates for women’s ordination set off pink smoke flares over the Vatican to protest their exclusion from the priesthood and the election process.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 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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That passage marked the start of more frequent financial warnings from Dimon, including worries of a recession — which didn’t happen until the 2020 pandemic triggered a two-month contraction — as well as concerns around market meltdowns and the ballooning U.S. deficit.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
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That's why the spectacular cruelty with which the cuts were carried out tanked Musk's personal brand and triggered Trump's inexorable decline in approval.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Noun
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The Bronze Age: Revolutionizing Warfare And Society The science of metallurgy was practiced in Egypt, where heating copper enabled mold-casting into tools and ornaments.—
Ed Macha,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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The hand ornament represents the friendship between women, a spokesperson for Hu told me.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Take these steps to win bonus bets for basketball, baseball, hockey and other sports this weekend: Follow the links on this page to activate the welcome offer.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
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Breathing in and sighing out slowly for longer than your in breath with an open mouth can activate the vagus nerve, a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system.—
Paul McClure
May 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2025
Noun
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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
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The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Concerns about the fiscal situation sparked a market sell-off on Wednesday.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
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The film sparked a real-life romance between Gosling and McAdams, who dated from 2005 to 2007.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The other was almost entirely absent of decoration, but was found with fragments of fabric, which could have come from a material case or the clothes the deceased owner was wearing when buried.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
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Choose from four Tarot archetypes (The Moon, The Star, The High Priestess, or The Empress) for the perfect flavor and decorations on the set.—
Sarah Boyd,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Much of the innovation that drives societal progress and economic productivity does not emerge from revolutions in thought, but from the subtle extension and application of existing knowledge.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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During my visit, Leal and I drove in his vintage Jeep to 1900 Barker, a coffee shop on Lawrence’s main drag.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
Noun
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Loan servicers began reporting delinquent accounts to credit bureaus in January 2025 and wage garnishments for borrowers who are more than 270 days late on payments are expected to resume soon.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
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For those who are subject to garnishment, Brewington says, the results can be devastating.—
Matt Sedensky,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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