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
The trek involves steep, high-altitude terrain, and travelers should prepare for variable weather and physical exertion before setting off. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 But the arrival of two strangers investigating her past sets off a series of events that prompts the residents of Crystal Lake to question who Pam Voorhees really is. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 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
  • On Sunday, authorities said one man was arrested on Kefalonia on suspicion of having started a fire that spread quickly in the southeastern part of the island, triggering the evacuation of nearby villages.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Israel even went after Tehran’s own leaders – killing former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – in the hope of triggering regime change, which has so far failed.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • The giant, 10,000-pound mammals provided meat, fat, hide, and bones for building structures, as well as ivory for tools, art, and ornaments.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
  • Liberty was founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 and has always been a vast curiosity shop selling ornaments, fabrics, furniture and art from around the world.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • However, Daniel Palencia will pitch at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and could be activated soon, resuming his closer role.
    — Greg Jewett, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • For organizations seeking meaningful ways to activate teams and elevate corporate culture, five actionable strategies can bring allyship to life well beyond a single date on the calendar.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • Clad in pine paneling, the cabins go light on ornamentation, instead emphasizing the surrounding landscape.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Master model designer Milan Madge incorporated metallic gold elements and raised textures to capture the original's rich ornamentation and depth.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Verb
  • Manganiello and O’Connor first sparked romance rumors in September 2023, and later confirmed their relationship in December that same year.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Obsession claimed Best Horror Movie and Best Actress in a Horror Movie for Inde Navarrette, who has sparked awards buzz ever since the record-breaking film first swept the box office.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • An oil lamp, like the one that Rebecca kept in her room as decoration, illuminated the Devil, who wore dark slacks and a dark vest, an impeccable white shirt.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Grinch and the Cat in the Hat are evergreen in their relevance in pop culture, memes, Halloween costumes and holiday decorations.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • Other experts say that unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving the weakness in yen, the intervention's effects are likely to be short-lived.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Both have driven over 20B minutes of viewership on streaming platforms from January through June.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • Those can include wage garnishment or bank account levies in jurisdictions where they're permitted.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Defaulting on your student loans can tank your credit score and trigger even more serious consequences, including wage garnishment.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 July 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on set off

Nglish: Translation of set off for Spanish Speakers

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