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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The question is what might be triggering the response in some patients but not others.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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That assertive spark seems triggered partly by a quiet conversation with fellow sub Kevin (Scissor Sisters lead singer Jake Shears), who has his aging dom’s name, Steve, tattooed on his ass.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2025
Noun
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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
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First appearing on the marble above the fireplace, the ornaments are now also on the Oval Office walls.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 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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Both labor-intensive and time-consuming, the tool required food professionals and at-home cooks to literally rotate its handle to activate the accompanying beater(s).—
Joey Skladany,
Southern Living,
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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Her disappearance sparked a weeks-long search that concluded on Thanksgiving Day that year, when a passing motorist spotted Papini alongside the highway — partially bound, injured and with a brand on her shoulder.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2025
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Their undeniable chemistry, emanating from the screen, sparked early rumors that the two might be more than just co-stars.—
Essence,
Essence,
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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About 150 students and 50 adults were evacuated from an elementary school in Maryland after hours of heavy rains driven by an atmospheric river caused major flooding in multiple eastern states.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The hedge fund founder is betting on a global deficit of methanol to increase over the next three years, requiring the U.S. to increase production and drive higher methanol prices.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 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 27 May. 2025.
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