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
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 July 2025
His decision sets off a series of calamitous events that threaten the survival of the Freemans and their land.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
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
As the Iguana preemptively sets off fireworks, bride Victoria angrily rushes outside, only to find Kirby dead in a boat.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 July 2025
His decision sets off a series of calamitous events that threaten the survival of the Freemans and their land.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
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
-
This week's snowfall was triggered by unusual atmospheric instability affecting northern Chile.—
María de los Ángeles Orfila,
Space.com,
5 July 2025
-
The first red flag of the session was triggered after Oliver Bearman lost some of the bodywork of his Haas.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
Noun
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Along with a glimmering Christmas display of ornaments and decorations, the Guamans have collections of garden and holiday gnomes.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2025
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The eponymous brand founder and creative director, Temple St. Clair, creates pieces and designs that reflect her passion for the history of jewelry and gold — with the traditions of personal ornaments and storytelling at the heart of her brand ethos.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
When activated, the harpoon is ejected, penetrates under the skin, and venom is released.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
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The Network then will activate its many participants to collaborate and engage together to advance solutions and designs of new processes, or mechanisms, or even technologies that are needed to not only benefit each individual employer organization but also the overall talent ecosystem.—
Ryan Stowers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Their handbags would be architectural in shape, sleek and spare of overwrought ornamentation.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2025
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The Raw Edition from Copenhagen Distillery is a clear statement of intent, avoiding ornamentation and putting instead process and material at the forefront.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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The program currently supports 60,000 students in 57 counties, offering a great example of state leadership sparking local impact.—
Matt Gandal,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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The wildfire is believed to be sparked by human activity, but the precise event responsible for it has yet to be identified.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
The New York Times was again amazed at the floral decorations.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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For his actions, Brewer, 79, was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Verb
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This economic activity drives growth in industries from retail and automotive to housing and hospitality.—
Ana Valdez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
What steps to follow when driving in the rain? Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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How to challenge the garnishment Federal student borrowers should have received at least a 30-day warning before their Social Security benefit is offset, said higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
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Aggressive collection efforts, such as wage garnishments, are likely to lead many to D183CA turn to payday loans and other predatory financial products to cover basic living expenses.—
Aisha Nyandoro,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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