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
Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Feng and her group had set off from Youpa Village, in Tibet’s Shigatze prefecture, for their trek through the scenic Gama Valley on the eastern side of Mount Everest on October 1.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
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
But for a very small number of people, that innocuous posture can set off a cascade of vascular injury known as beauty parlor stroke syndrome (BPSS).
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Feng and her group had set off from Youpa Village, in Tibet’s Shigatze prefecture, for their trek through the scenic Gama Valley on the eastern side of Mount Everest on October 1.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
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 latest flare-up coincided with a historic trip by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan’s rival India, triggering concern in Islamabad.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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But the 0% bracket could be a chance to rebalance or diversify your brokerage account without triggering a tax bill.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The event features nearly two dozen local artisans and small businesses selling their goods, ranging from ornaments, decor and jewelry to soaps, quilts and baked goods.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
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Humphrey merch popped up — hats, T-shirts, Christmas ornaments and even shot glasses went up for sale at bait shops and gas stations.—
Helen Harlan,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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It’s expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
12 Oct. 2025
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Aside from strengthening the body and improving posture, practicing downward dog also activates blood circulation and may improve digestion.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This interplay underscored a broader theme: form itself can be a form of ornamentation.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Sep. 2025
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Around her neck, a rope of heavy onyx beads provided practical ornamentation.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That wonky definition has sparked conflicting interpretations by different federal circuits.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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The war has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Shortly after its dawn, dresses produced by Paris’ leading fashion houses, such as Poiret, Chanel and Lanvin, were envisaged with the same geometric, linear designs and intricate decorations that were characteristic of the revolutionary movement.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
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In the United States, Halloween ranks second in consumer spending on treats, gifts, and decorations, following Christmas.—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And people wrote letters to the courts saying wage garnishment would exacerbate their already dire financial situations.—
Rae Ellen Bichell,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
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In Virginia, the state's conservative Republican governor this year signed a measure restricting wage garnishment and capping interest rates.—
Noam Levey,
NPR,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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