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
Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 16 Mar. 2025
Immigration agents arrested Khalil, on Sunday, setting off free speech protests in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
—Axios, 15 Mar. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
In 2015, a crowded nightclub in Bucharest, Romania was engulfed in flames after pyrotechnics were set off during a concert, killing 64 people.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 16 Mar. 2025
Immigration agents arrested Khalil, on Sunday, setting off free speech protests in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
—Axios, 15 Mar. 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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Facebook triggered complaints about privacy violations, such as parents sharing private information without teens’ consent.—
Abdulmalik Alluhidan,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
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This seemed to trigger Kanye, who dropped Bully in the middle of an X rant about Carti, with Kanye also claiming Carti snubbed him on Music.—
Justin Curto,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Like so much of rap, Carti’s choice of words reflects an obsession with male power dynamics, where women, cars, and drugs are accrued and consumed as ornaments of power.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2025
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The artifacts—including golden rings, ornaments, beads and a small statue depicting three ancient Egyptian gods—date back to ancient Egypt’s 26th Dynasty, which lasted from 664 to 525 B.C.E., according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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New users can sign up through our links to activate this welcome offer in time for second round action over the weekend.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recently issued a joint advisory warning that two-factor authentication needed to be activated for all webmail and VPN accounts as a matter of urgency.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In an era where contemporary architecture often relies on cladding and heavy ornamentation, Paradero celebrates simplicity.—
Natalie Stoclet,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
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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
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Another 1,671 firms reached $2.5 to $4.9 million, up from 506 in 2021. Transportation and warehousing: With the e-commerce explosion sparking demand for last-mile transportation and warehousing, solopreneurs in this space profited.—
Elaine Pofeldt,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Schumer’s move has sparked outrage from some Democrats and progressive activists who protested at his office and called on him to resign his position.—
Will Weissert,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Today, ancient Greco-Roman statues housed in museums are typically stark white and devoid of decoration.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
20 Mar. 2025
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These included dress shopping, venue hunting, and the preparing of DIY decorations.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ultimately, the league’s decision-making on NBA expansion will be driven by a combination of market size, media presence, economic factors, and ownership interest.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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This approach delivers precision targeting that drives measurable results.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Legal action: In extreme cases, unpaid debts can result in legal action, such as a lawsuit or wage garnishment.—
Kevin Harper,
Sacramento Bee,
21 Mar. 2025
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Getty Images For roughly the past five years, federal student loan borrowers who fell behind on their bills didn’t need to worry about the usual consequences, including the garnishment of their wages and retirement benefits.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
24 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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