as in to trigger
to cause to function
set off a bomb
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
The paramilitaries said the agreement, which was signed in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, would pave the way for peace after nearly two years of a war that has killed thousands of people and set off a devastating famine.
—Declan Walsh, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Suspicious of Cameron’s motives, Iris steals the code and goes on the run, setting off a cat-and-mouse chase with the clock ticking for Iris to figure out what the code could unleash before she is found.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
The paramilitaries said the agreement, which was signed in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, would pave the way for peace after nearly two years of a war that has killed thousands of people and set off a devastating famine.
—Declan Walsh, New York Times, 23 Feb. 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
-
Freed were three Israeli men seized from the Nova music festival and another taken while visiting family in southern Israel during the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the 16-month war in Gaza.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
arkansasonline.com,
23 Feb. 2025
-
According to a 1958 law, companies looking to introduce a new food additive into the food supply are supposed to file a petition with the FDA, triggering a lengthy process of scientific investigation and public comment.—
Juhohn Lee,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The 113 items—which include plaques, personal ornaments and figures—are currently housed in the Wereldmuseum Leiden, part of the country’s National Museum of World Cultures.—
Karen K. Ho,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Horizontal bands of silver and gold march in a rhythmic pattern down the right side of the goddess’ face, ornament that may represent the elaborate body tattoos popular among Thracians.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The Leo full moon activates themes of intimacy and transformation, encouraging you to dive deeper into your emotional connections.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Mar. 2025
-
The following year, on Oct. 21, the fledgling military branch activated Space Operations Command at Peterson Air Force Base (now Peterson Space Force Base) in Colorado.—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In an era where contemporary architecture often relies on cladding and heavy ornamentation, Paradero celebrates simplicity.—
Natalie Stoclet,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
-
Simple forms and geometries abound, with a distinct lack of more organic elements like curved shapes, soft textures, and overly decorative ornamentation.—
Lauren Gallow,
Architectural Digest,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Moore’s exit will spark widespread speculation over who will replace her at the BBC.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Still, the string of crashes has sparked fear and unease among air travelers.—
Melissa Chan,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Yes These elegant tassels clamp on like tweezers to the nipples and double as stimulation and decoration, with metal chains and silver balls adorning the ends.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Variations for Butter Cake This cake is mildly sweet and nearly a blank slate for your decorations and flavorings: Remove about three tablespoons of the flour and swap with use cocoa powder (such as Dutch processed) to make a chocolate butter cake.—
Amanda Holstein,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The severity of this year’s flu season is driven by a combination of factors, experts suggested.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Revenues for the three-month period rose 5 percent to $2.2 billion, ahead of the $2.11 billion analysts projected and were driven by progress at Coach, Tapestry’s biggest brand.—
David Moin,
WWD,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Prosecutors said Sessler's scheme involved filing false garnishment papers against two of his low income tenants.—
Cary Spivak,
Journal Sentinel,
1 May 2024
-
Zoom in: The bureau's website helps users navigate child support enforcement, paying debts and wage garnishment.—
April Rubin,
Axios,
3 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share