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
Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
Their collaboration sparks unlikely friendships and sets off consequences none had anticipated.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 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
Some of their missions are small—putting up posters, or picking up a package—while others involve physical attacks, for example setting off explosives and starting fires.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
Their collaboration sparks unlikely friendships and sets off consequences none had anticipated.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 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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The landslide was triggered by heavy rains, but ex-miners blame unsafe conditions.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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If the infection is not contained by the body’s immune response, the bacteria destroys lung tissue which can trigger chest pain and coughing up of mucus or blood.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This can manifest in the form of apparel, bedding, kitchen utensils and bumper stickers all the way to collectibles, luxury watches, electronics and seasonal products like ornaments.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
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Spiky black and crystal ornaments were added at one shoulder of the look as well as the opposite hip, creating an asymmetric juxtaposition.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
30 Jan. 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,
27 Jan. 2026
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Neuroscience has long shown that watching another person experience pain activates the same neural regions as experiencing pain ourselves.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Its tapered legs and subtle ornamentation give it an old world quality that still looks right at home in a contemporary designscape.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
5 Feb. 2026
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The elaborate beading ornamentation is a tribal tradition, now in decline as Westernization takes its toll on tribal communities who live in the vicinity of ever-expanding urban areas.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His candidacy sparked sharp divisions, with supporters portraying him as a symbol of stability and opponents denouncing him as a reminder of authoritarian rule and unresolved war crimes.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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Senate Bill 26-005 comes after federal agents shot and killed two American citizens who were at immigration operations in Minnesota, sparking protests across the country.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Vendors also provided Islamic literature, artisan candles, wood decorations and more.—
Eva Remijan-Toba,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
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The communal parts of the hotel have a similar vibe to the rooms, with neutral palettes and a few pops of muted decoration.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Violent confrontations targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota are being driven by outside actors exploiting chaos, not organic protest, according to a protest insider warning that the situation is rapidly spiraling.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The driver then drove into the city of Wheat Ridge and allegedly crashed into a Honda Pilot near Pierce Street and West 32nd Avenue several minutes later before continuing on.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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And earlier this month, the department had announced that the first batch of administrative wage garnishment notices would be sent out to borrowers’ employers.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Are wages exempt from garnishment in Texas?—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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