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
Tara Copp, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2025
Ice-rich soil warmed, thawed and collapsed, setting off a chain reaction still unfolding today.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Trump wants to annex the territory, claiming it’s needed for national security purposes, and Vance’s visit in late March set off heated rhetoric between the U.S. and Denmark, with Trump refusing to take the use of military force off the table.
—Tara Copp, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2025
Ice-rich soil warmed, thawed and collapsed, setting off a chain reaction still unfolding today.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 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
-
But yeah, maybe she’s been a vegetarian this whole time and the proteins triggered something!—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
-
In the current reality, where a viral tweet can trigger a market crash, this has become a powerful and useful tool.—
Kirill Sagitov,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Distinguished by its lack of ornament, the building overlooks historic Michaelerplatz.—
Hannah Martin,
Architectural Digest,
25 Mar. 2025
-
The ornaments were first in Spiegel’s catalog and offered wholesale to retailers Kress, Woolworth’s and Eagle’s throughout the country.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Troopers located the Tesla and allegedly observed the vehicle traveling in the center lane at approximately 30 mph with its four-way hazard lights activated.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Mars and Pluto activate your Leo-Aquarius axis on April 26, stirring questions about career, leadership, and emotional safety.—
Colin Bedell,
Them.,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The record itself is pretty stripped down, with a small combo and not a lot of ornamentation.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Pope Francis’s tweaks are mostly focused on simplifying the ceremonies and eliminating unnecessary ornamentation.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The shooting has sparked outrage in the eastern Idaho city after video footage circulated on social media, and showed four officers opening fire on Victor behind a fence.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Apr. 2025
-
That turnover sparked a counterattack, allowing Rogers to squeeze out a chance with an xG of 0.35 at the back post — where the absent Mendes should have been.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
From giant eggs in the garden to welcoming porch signs, decorations can range from whimsical to elegant.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
This research underlines the creator's indication that home decorations reveal something about a person.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association warned last month that tariffs and counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum products would likely drive up the costs of construction materials, making building and buying new homes more expensive, worsening the housing affordability issue.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Atlanta took advantage, with Trae Young driving for a layup to tie the score at 106 with 1.3 seconds remaining and force overtime.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Many people don't realize, though, that depositing a paper Social Security check into a bank account won't protect you in cases of debt collection and garnishment.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Wage garnishment had been suspended under emergency relief measures that began in March 2020.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share