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
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025
While the House is scheduled to leave town Friday for a week back in their districts, the speaker set off his own fireworks -- telling his conference that members will not be dismissed for recess until the House approves the Senate’s changes.
—Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Against the backdrop of the December Revolution and a civil war in Sudan, two sisters set off on a displacement journey turned adventure, through rural Sudan to East Africa.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025
While the House is scheduled to leave town Friday for a week back in their districts, the speaker set off his own fireworks -- telling his conference that members will not be dismissed for recess until the House approves the Senate’s changes.
—Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Noun
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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Resource and organizational constraints are triggering strategic realignments.—
Timothy J. McClimon,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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With many key military figures already killed in Israeli airstrikes and Iran's nuclear and logistical infrastructure under attack, any power vacuum could trigger instability or factional conflict.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Noun
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The proud parents coordinated with their Christmas tree, which was filled with matching ornaments.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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The white wash paint is distressed for an antique look, and the scalloped legs are accented with botanical ornaments.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, in suburban Cook County, three courthouses — in Skokie, Maywood and Markham — were activated as 24/7 cooling centers from June 21 to June 24 in response to the heat advisory.—
Lily Carey,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2025
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It’s been a couple of years since Google and Jamestown activated a stretch of downtown San Jose near SAP Center with its Creekside Socials, block parties with music, art and food trucks.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
Noun
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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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Judges have issued dozens of nationwide injunctions in lawsuits that have been brought over Trump administration policies in the months since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, sparking the ire of the president and his allies as much of his agenda has been blocked in court.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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But so many conversations have been sparked on this topic, conversations that before the movie was out, noone could have.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
27 June 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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For some, July 4th gatherings focus on fireworks, games, and decorations.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Category Performance : Running and training categories experienced growth in Q3, driven by new launches (e.g., Pegasus Premium, Vomero 18).—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
19 June 2025
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Alvarez has been pleased with his pitch recognition, which has helped drive his walk rate and on-base percentage to career bests.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Noun
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That would open up the possibility of garnishment, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
24 June 2025
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So people who are facing a smaller federal benefit as a result of garnishment are likely in a panic, said Nancy Nierman, assistant director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program in New York.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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