set off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of set offnext
as in to trigger
to cause to function set off a bomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

setoff

2 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌȯf How to pronounce setoff (audio)
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of set off
Verb
Cue roomy suits in a subtle check with bellows pockets, set off with splayed Cuban collar shirts. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026 The morning of the wedding began with Lola kicking Freddie out of their room, before setting off on an hour-long coastal walk with her mum and bridesmaids. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Nov. 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 See All Example Sentences for set off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for set off
  1. trigger
  2. ornament
  3. activate
  4. ornamentation
  5. spark
  6. decoration
  7. drive
  8. garnishment
Verb
  • The intense heat triggers a rapid reaction in which carbon bonds with silica to form silicon carbide, a ultra-hard, heat-tolerant compound.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Four days later, she was reported missing, triggering an intense search by locals, the police department and the FBI.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • However, since the ornament is entered into a holiday gift exchange rather than gifted with proper intention, Tanya suddenly finds herself on the receiving end of everyone else’s misfortune.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
  • If a holiday carol stopped you cold in the grocery store this week, or if hanging a single ornament brought you to tears, nothing is wrong with you.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • The button can also be set to mute calls or use alternate recording modes like slow motion and hyperlapse, which otherwise need to be activated with voice commands.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
  • That means having specific shades and specific products according to consumer needs across regions, as well as how the Sephora Collection brands are activated.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • Skeletons have long served as sacred ornamentation across cultures, representing the transience of life.
    — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The cotton canvas jacket offers a very simple silhouette with little to no ornamentation—perfect for a minimalist wardrobe.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Verb
  • The spot sparked national bipartisan backlash on grounds that Acton's mother had lost custody of her children decades ago after her husband, their stepfather, was indicted for raping Acton as a child.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Grant sparked a 16-1 in the first quarter that broke the game open after the Golden Eagles cut TCU’s lead to 9-8.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • Think over-sized kitchens with dark cabinetry, granite countertops, artificial grapes and many, many rooster decorations.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The family spent approximately $1,500 on dirt and ballfield materials and another $500 on indoor decorations, bringing the total for those elements to around $2,000.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • Guzman has an April 2009 conviction of driving drunk and causing injury to another person in Sacramento County, according to the complaint.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The pre-Election Day surge was driven mainly by in-person voting.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • Many sought wage garnishments, but none charged as high as 18% annual interest on bills, the rate Marshall tacked on.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The women faced debts far beyond their capacity to pay, with possible wage garnishment, loss of assets and federal collection lawsuits.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of garnishment

Browse Nearby Words

set in motion
set off
setoff
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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