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
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
To set off the entry, rustic wood paneling frames it.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 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
Bill Bucklew Now, Bucklew set to get on his recumbent tricycle and set off on a cross-cycle of the length of Route 66, along with a team of others living with Parkinson's.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
To set off the entry, rustic wood paneling frames it.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 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 union said Stepan Shevchuk was the man killed when a failure of a precast concrete segment triggered a progressive collapse.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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Dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat buildup and allergens accumulate over months, affecting your sleep quality and potentially triggering sneezing and congestion.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Each holiday season, Lisa Mbugua and her two children decorate their Christmas tree with her sister’s ornaments.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2026
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These adorable multicolor glasses look like they’re inspired by spring garden ornaments.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The device uses heat therapy combined with SonicGlow to activate your skin care by assisting with deeper absorption and effectiveness.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
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An infusion of calcium, for example, can activate a cell, and chloride can tamp down cell activity.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The receptionist works behind a period cabinet converted into the sort of desk Philip Marlowe would happily put his feet on and Art Deco ornamentations abound, from the beautiful clocks, to the slightly sinister candlesticks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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Pale, dusty hues enhance natural light, offering a subtle counterpoint to the rich ornamentation, while ceiling paintings by Vicke Andrén, celebrated for his work at the Royal Swedish Opera, underscore the apartment’s artistic importance.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Aurora University recruit crushed his second home run of the season, a two-run shot that sparked the Blackhawks to a 17-0 Upstate Eight Conference win in four innings at Streamwood.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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Still, the image sparked backlash from Christians across the political spectrum, with critics calling it inappropriate and offensive.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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She was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award – India’s highest film honor – in 2000, and appointed a Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian decoration, in 2008.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2026
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To that end, the retailer says searches for party banners are up 100 percent year-over-year, party decorations are up 125 percent, and balloon arches are up 28 percent.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But the markets could be driven by a broader picture.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
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On a recent Tuesday morning, as his parents were driving him to the federal prison in Connecticut where he'll be locked up for the foreseeable future, 20-year-old Matthew Lane sent a text message to ABC News.—
Mike Levine,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The bottom line Wage garnishment can begin within weeks of a creditor winning a lawsuit, and in some states, there's little standing between a judgment and your next paycheck.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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The estate’s representative obtained a writ of garnishment on March 2 to collect on the judgment from Gottlieb’s bank account.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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