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
Makenzie Boucher, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
But in April, Iranian forces downed an American fighter jet, setting off an intensive rescue operation—one that Hegseth compared to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 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
People who can identify with the victims are more likely to follow news about them, and that can set off a cycle of distress.
—Makenzie Boucher, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
But in April, Iranian forces downed an American fighter jet, setting off an intensive rescue operation—one that Hegseth compared to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 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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Something triggered Ty Arafet in the fourth inning Saturday night during The First Academy’s Class 2A, Region 2 semifinal game against Montverde.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
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But Christopher Morel then took three consecutive strikes from Jose Alvarado to end that rally, triggering boos from the crowd and leaving Miami down 6-4 headed to the ninth.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
Noun
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When kuru’s vocals get more monotone, Backstage hologram ornaments the toplines with gorgeous digital keyboard parts that reference the crusty, low-res soundtracks of Nintendo DS-era RPGs like Pokemon Diamond & Pearl.—
Jude Noel,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
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During the service, it is presented along with a number of spiritual ornaments, including the sovereign's orb and several swords, per the Royal Collection Trust.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Noun
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It is surrounded by appliqué ornamentation reflecting the decorative arts of each culture and an ornate frieze around the periphery.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Yet its sleek, monochromatic design serves as a quiet counterpoint to the temple’s rich ornamentation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The comedian was subsequently taken off the air, sparking outcry and accusations of government censorship.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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But pilots and aviation experts say such warnings have been increasingly sparking alarm in cockpits as bogus signals from global positioning satellites hit commercial flights.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Guests at the preview got a peek at table decorations and other aesthetic concepts for the ball, which raises money to benefit San Diego-area nonprofits.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Besides decorations at the airport, two more streetcars are to be wrapped by early May.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
Verb
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And in recent years, a new crop of miners driven by rising gold prices have sought to return to the landscape.—
Sarah Raza,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
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Further, the tax disincentivizes success, weakens California’s standing as a hub for innovation, and demonizes the wealthy – all of which erode investment, drive economic activity elsewhere, and are ultimately incompatible with America’s capitalist roots.—
Douglas Schoen,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
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At 65%, which is applied when payments are more than 12 weeks in arrears, the garnishment climbs to $975 per week, leaving just $525 in take-home pay on a $2,000 gross paycheck.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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For most Americans, fines, wage garnishment or worse are too big a risk to take.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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