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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of set off
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
The launch of ChatGPT 3 set off the AI arms race three years ago, and jumpstarted the automation of various creative parts of the ad industry.
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Max Tani,
semafor.com,
22 June 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
Newsom called employees back to offices four days a week in 2025, setting off a fierce opposition campaign led by state workers and their unions.
—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
The launch of ChatGPT 3 set off the AI arms race three years ago, and jumpstarted the automation of various creative parts of the ad industry.
—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
22 June 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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Attorney Al Watkins, who represented the McCloskeys during the early stages of the controversy, said one of the biggest misconceptions about the case is what triggered the confrontation in the first place.
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The satellite's primary objective, though, is to observe gamma-ray bursts – events triggered by the catastrophic deaths of massive stars and considered to be the most powerful types of explosions in the universe.
Noun
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These popular plants are superb, long-lasting garden ornaments.
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But what if diversity wasn’t just a checkbox or an ornament for your outward-facing messaging?
Verb
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
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Scent activates pathways that trigger emotional and memory responses.
Noun
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Scenes from the Old and New Testaments unfold across its length, set within an elaborate decorative scheme inspired by Roman ornamentation.
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The pop-up will display 20 pieces designed by Musa, as well as art depicting the dental ornamentation.
Verb
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Despite the lack of physical or video evidence, Kim said Rinderknecht is the only person who could have sparked the blaze.
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This marks an increase of nearly 8% from the price that sparked national headlines.
Noun
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Dior dresses the players for every official appearance—not as a sponsorship decoration but as a statement of aesthetic register.
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Clean gutters and drains, inspect roofs for loose or damaged materials, trim trees and secure outdoor furniture and decorations.
Verb
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The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
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Congestion is difficult to predict, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, when driving behavior shifted and peak traffic hours spread out instead of sticking to the more uniform 9-to-5 workday.
Noun
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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.
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Content oversight provided by Studio 1847 When a creditor obtains a court order, a portion of a worker’s paycheck can be subject to garnishment.
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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