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
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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Still, despite the squad’s positivity, the match triggered a lot of bad memories in the minds of Spain fans everywhere ahead of what many thought could be an excellent chance to earn the nation’s second World Cup.
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In February, an exposure at a state high school wrestling championship triggered at least 46 cases among attendees.
Noun
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These ornaments were originally intended to symbolize speed, elegance and technological optimism.
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In one clip, Horner could be seen holding a ring box that had been hung like an ornament on a Christmas tree.
Verb
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Beliefs bump against reality as the emotional Moon activates your 9th House of Learning, quincunx combative Mars in your 4th House of Home.
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The previous phases decompress, mobilize and activate individual areas; this one integrates all of those aspects into coordinated, whole-body functional movement.
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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Minimize decorations if your storage is displayed.
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Dotted across Saudi Arabia’s dark green home jersey are symmetrical lavender squares or diamond shapes, a tribute to doorway decoration — namely geometric, triangular architecture — commonly seen in homes in the kingdom.
Verb
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Those moves unfold in the heart of the Pittsburgh Innovation District, where Oakland’s mix of universities, hospitals and startups is driving new construction and intensifying competition for space around campus.
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The shooting took place in Towson Circle as the Majied and the suspect were driving in different cars.
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 27 Jun. 2026.
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