SETOFF Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

set off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of set off

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

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

Get Outside See Wild Ponies At Grayson Highlands State Park, set off on a scenic hike to spot its famous free-roaming wild ponies. — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026 Researchers and industry experts believe the first company to master it could set off an exponential cycle of progress, pulling so far ahead that competitors can no longer catch up. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 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

Verb

Russian hybrid attacks are different from a traditional armed attack, but the alliance could theoretically trigger the collective defense clause in those cases.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026
The cortex is where the slow rhythms of deep sleep can be seen, but researchers assumed the signals that triggered them originated elsewhere.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

The report also alleges that Chavez-DeRemer used her staff for personal tasks, such as organizing her closet and purchasing holiday ornaments.

— Luke Barr, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Especially memorable designs include its Naga choker, wherein each gem represents ornaments worn by a different native tribe, and its Naga orchid necklace, inspired by the nearly 400 species of the flowering plant found in the region.

— Sohini Dey, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornament

Verb

Researchers therefore began exploring partial reprogramming, briefly activating the Yamanaka factors in ways that appear to rejuvenate cells while maintaining their specialized identities.

— Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
If the vehicle has no power and the window remains fully raised, Tesla warns the glass could shatter when someone activates the release.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Noun

Freedom, mobility; who gets to be an artist; style, ornamentation, artifice; work, leisure; the counterculture; the denigration of femininity; West Coast oddballism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
The rhinestone ornamentation doubled as a girly and whimsical photo-op.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Verb

That debate sparked angry exchanges among different justices, which led Justice Flávio Dino to ask for the review that led to postponing the decision.

— MAURICIO SAVARESE, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Her love of travel has been a lifelong passion but was undeniably sparked by a spontaneous solo trip to London her junior year of college.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of spark

Noun

Inside the Mallahi family compound, a blast tore a crater through the roof and walls, leaving floral decorations, carpets and household belongings buried in rubble and shattered glass.

— Amir Vahdat, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, the resort hosts a range of holiday programming each year, including lights, decorations, entertainment and seasonal attractions.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of decoration

Verb

Maybe real New Yorkers do drive, because this is some serious New York behavior.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Yet the deepest human transformations operate on a different layer of architecture—driven by adaptive, systemic processes that our analytical minds can’t fully dictate.

— Patrick Murphy, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Noun

Depending on state law and the circumstances, a judgment can give a creditor access to collection tools such as wage garnishment, bank account levies or property liens.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Sep. 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

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

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Synonyms of set off

verb

noun

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