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
Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Before the march set off for the Rose Garden near the Knesset, Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum recited the Traveler’s Prayer, praying for the marchers’ safety and alluding to Banki’s death nearly 11 years before.
—Theia Chatelle, Sun Sentinel, 8 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
Despite Gerard jumping into the driver's seat with a 37-foot birdie putt on 17 to grab the lead, Poston answered back with a birdie on the 72nd hole, and the fireworks were officially set off at Jack's Place.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Before the march set off for the Rose Garden near the Knesset, Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum recited the Traveler’s Prayer, praying for the marchers’ safety and alluding to Banki’s death nearly 11 years before.
—Theia Chatelle, Sun Sentinel, 8 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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In 1984, following Operation Blue Star, the assassination of India's prime minister by her Sikh bodyguard triggered horrific mob violence that killed thousands of Sikhs across the country, pushing many more to flee.—
Akash Pamarthy,
NPR,
6 June 2026
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Stopping diabetes medications can trigger hyperglycemic crises like diabetic ketoacidosis which can require ER visits and sometimes hospitalization.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
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But early last Saturday evening, two bullets shattered the glass between displays of Christmas ornaments and dining plates.—
Matt Viser,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
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Since anybody recalled, the gate had been topped with decorative ornaments.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
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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,
8 June 2026
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Even 15 minutes of disconnection allows the brain’s default mode network to activate, when memory consolidation and creative connections actually occur.—
William Jones
June 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
Noun
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From there, the ornamentation strips back, room by room, evolving with the narrative of the album.—
Angela Tafoya,
Architectural Digest,
29 May 2026
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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
Verb
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Backup catcher Sebastián Rivero sparked the Angels’ second-inning rally with a one-out single.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
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The video and the SCE data offer proof that the 100-year-old line, which hadn’t been used since the early 1970s, became re-electrified and sparked the fire that killed 19 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena and surrounding areas, attorneys say.—
Tony Saavedra,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Florists used more than 30,000 flowers, most the yellow and white colors of the Holy See flag, for the carpets that feature decorations such as the Holy See keys.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
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Exterior decorations at the Sagrada Família.—
Seth Doane,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Ties have cooled in recent years between the two sides – while Pyongyang drove closer to Moscow.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
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Advocates have long criticized the conditions at the Aurora facility, and those complaints — alongside concerns that more facilities could open in the state — helped drive HB 1276’s contents.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Certain federal obligations, such as unpaid federal taxes, federal student loans and some child support or alimony obligations, may result in benefit offsets or garnishment under specific circumstances.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
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The consequences for failing to meet your tax obligations can range from late fees and collection notices to wage garnishment and property liens.—
John Csiszar,
CNBC,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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