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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of set off
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Any unexpected sound, even getting a text message, would set off a jolt of panic through my body, the same sensation as slamming on the brakes while driving.
—Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
After running the financial models and tallying the costs associated with the new levies, Liss set off to Asia in March to search for an alternative business plan.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Any unexpected sound, even getting a text message, would set off a jolt of panic through my body, the same sensation as slamming on the brakes while driving.
—Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 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
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But yeah, maybe she’s been a vegetarian this whole time and the proteins triggered something!—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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Png predicts that a potential global recession resulting from the tariffs would be of a similar scale to the 2008 global financial crisis, which triggered an 18-month Great Recession and the worst global economic downturn since the Great Depression.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Distinguished by its lack of ornament, the building overlooks historic Michaelerplatz.—
Hannah Martin,
Architectural Digest,
25 Mar. 2025
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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
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Every morning, guests can watch as the Chronos opens the portals by lining them up and activating them.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2025
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In this case, we’re well served to recognize that our social capital is enriched by diversifying across those deeper, fewer connections as well as the more numerous casual relationships that often have an outsized positive impact when activated at the right time.—
Tim Maurer,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The record itself is pretty stripped down, with a small combo and not a lot of ornamentation.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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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
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Sophie currently works as a news reporter for ABC7 Los Angeles and notably covered the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that sparked in early January.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Val Kilmer’s death on Tuesday has sparked reminders of the risks of pneumonia.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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From giant eggs in the garden to welcoming porch signs, decorations can range from whimsical to elegant.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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This research underlines the creator's indication that home decorations reveal something about a person.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Authorities allege, per the AP, that White drove up next to Noble and got out of his car with a gun in his hand, prompting Noble to get out of his car and run away.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
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Philanthropy can address market failures and lay the groundwork for scalable solutions, while investments follow to drive growth.—
Matt Damon,
TIME,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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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
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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 18 Apr. 2025.
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