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
Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 11 May 2026
Parke set off for Italy to produce her first collection.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 11 May 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
Walz is expected to sign the bill into law, which would set off a monthslong process of getting the office off the ground.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 11 May 2026
Parke set off for Italy to produce her first collection.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 11 May 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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West, a former junior Foreign Office minister, would need support from 20% of Labour MPs — or 81 members — to trigger a contest.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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In 1992, a buildup of methane gas and coal dust triggered a massive explosion in the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia, Canada, killing 26 coal miners.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Attenborough communicated with the tribe using gestures, looked at their personal ornaments and enquired about the pegs in the ritual punctures in the nose of one of the men.—
Amarachi Orie,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
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When kuru’s vocals get more monotone, Backstage hologram ornaments the toplines with gorgeous digital keyboard parts that reference the crusty, low-res soundtracks of Nintendo DS-era RPGs like Pokemon Diamond & Pearl.—
Jude Noel,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tonight the Aries Moon activates ambition, and a decision about visibility or leadership may suddenly feel obvious.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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But mostly, the Sparks’ defense activated, forcing 10 Las Vegas turnovers, led by two steals apiece from Atkins and Wheeler to fuel the comeback.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Noun
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It is surrounded by appliqué ornamentation reflecting the decorative arts of each culture and an ornate frieze around the periphery.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Yet its sleek, monochromatic design serves as a quiet counterpoint to the temple’s rich ornamentation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His goal sparked wild celebrations inside St Mary’s, none more so than in the press box, where Southampton’s analysts, doing the opposite of keeping a low profile amid the allegations levelled at the club, were enthusiastically bouncing around.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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No Mow May sparks conversations about bee conservation.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Plus, the flower decoration adds a fun feminine flare.—
Aashna Gheewalla,
PEOPLE,
7 May 2026
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Like all good practitioners of this ancient form of body decoration, the artist who inked me gave me a specific list of instructions to take care of my skin in the days and weeks that followed.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
6 May 2026
Verb
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For instance, researchers found that rapid urbanization and electrification across Asia drove brightening in cities from China to India to Sub-Saharan Africa.—
Bree Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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The novel starts out on a highway, in a car that’s driving too fast.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Your creditors aren't obligated to negotiate or agree to settlement offers, either, and some may prefer to pursue lawsuits, bank levies or wage garnishment rather than settle.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
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For most Americans, fines, wage garnishment or worse are too big a risk to take.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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