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
Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
Mid-ride, guests will set off on foot to encounter some of the most iconic villains from Blumhouse’s popular horror franchises, including The Grabber from The Black Phone, the possessed from The Exorcist: Believer, the killers from The Purge franchise and M3GAN herself.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Aug. 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
On Bill Veeck Night, the Sox were schooled that the late former owner came up with many crazy ideas, including the one for the exploding center-field scoreboard, which sets off fireworks after White Sox home runs.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
Mid-ride, guests will set off on foot to encounter some of the most iconic villains from Blumhouse’s popular horror franchises, including The Grabber from The Black Phone, the possessed from The Exorcist: Believer, the killers from The Purge franchise and M3GAN herself.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Aug. 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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The series was triggered by a series of online images which motivated Krecké’s six year mission to research obsessively and merge digital sleuthing with emotional introspection to understand the personal and collective trauma behind the destruction wreaked through war.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Scientists hope these conditions could trigger DNA changes that make the plants more resilient back on Earth.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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There is also spectacular ornament and pageantry, alongside a tumultuous sense of rowdiness about to erupt—fisticuffs, slapstick chases, and daring combinations of hapless antics and true danger.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 July 2025
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Apparently, there are numerous ways to do a mid-year replication of the winter Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays by playing seasonal music, decorating the office with trees and ornaments festooned with summery things and creating playlists of holiday songs.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
28 July 2025
Verb
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The Pro Bowl linebacker was finally activated from the physically unable to perform list last Sunday after 11 months of rehabbing and trying to get back on the practice field.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
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The fire alarm at Lowe’s was activated after an employee spotted the fire, according to the Milford Fire Department.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Told by one of the firm’s senior partners to add ornamentation to the design for a pyramid atop an office building, Wells flatly refused.—
Henry Wiencek
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
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That is, minimal ornamentation with an emphasis on modern materials which made construction less expensive.—
Randy Mason,
Kansas City Star,
21 May 2025
Verb
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The brawl has sparked a broader conversation about crime and safety in Cincinnati.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
14 Aug. 2025
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His previous early release from prison has sparked criticism following his arrest Aug. 8. Court records show why Langford was granted shock probation in 2024.—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As for what's worth having on your radar: The Home Depot's iconic Skelly Halloween decoration is back in stock and (unsurprisingly) selling fast.—
Kyley Warren,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
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Halloween decorations are rolling out, and the holiday season—the most critical stretch of the year for countless businesses—is on the minds of decision-makers.—
Don Yaeger,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Furthermore, with climate change driving record‑breaking heat waves and increasingly erratic weather, the industry faces a critical question: Can live music become climate‑conscious without losing its magic?—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Lastly, in May 2024, Tamura was pulled over for driving a car with no license plate.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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When wage garnishment begins, companies will be confronted more directly with the severity of their workers’ financial situations, says MacPhetres.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
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Starting July 24, the higher wage garnishments will go into effect until the full overpayment has been resolved.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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