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
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 July 2025
His decision sets off a series of calamitous events that threaten the survival of the Freemans and their land.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 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
As the Iguana preemptively sets off fireworks, bride Victoria angrily rushes outside, only to find Kirby dead in a boat.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 July 2025
His decision sets off a series of calamitous events that threaten the survival of the Freemans and their land.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 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
-
Even properties that typically have strict policies often make exceptions in the face of an impending emergency; still, read the fine print, because a looming storm might not be enough to trigger full refunds unless official travel warnings or evacuation orders are in place.—
Skye Sherman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
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This can trigger trading loses, or systemic market risks to insolvency and liquidity, according to S&P Global Ratings.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Experts believe that rice played a role in rituals that were performed in the cave, which also included fine pottery, shell pendants and ornaments.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
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Right now, Amazon has marked down window candles, pillow covers, ornaments, and string lights to celebrate Christmas in July.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
The couple successfully activate the code and crawl through a tunnel to freedom, only to discover that the entire city has been sealed inside the same black brick structures.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
11 July 2025
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The Network then will activate its many participants to collaborate and engage together to advance solutions and designs of new processes, or mechanisms, or even technologies that are needed to not only benefit each individual employer organization but also the overall talent ecosystem.—
Ryan Stowers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Their handbags would be architectural in shape, sleek and spare of overwrought ornamentation.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2025
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The Raw Edition from Copenhagen Distillery is a clear statement of intent, avoiding ornamentation and putting instead process and material at the forefront.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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The wildfire is believed to be sparked by human activity, but the precise event responsible for it has yet to be identified.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
9 July 2025
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The wrap, which consists of a white-flour tortilla filled with chicken, shredded lettuce and cheese, was nixed in 2016, sparking a social media campaign by fans lobbying for its return.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
The New York Times was again amazed at the floral decorations.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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For his actions, Brewer, 79, was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
At its core, greed drives their pursuit of wealth and power.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
13 July 2025
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The incident, which occurred in June, is part of a growing trend of scams -- some of them driven by artificial intelligence -- targeting government officials and their staff through impersonation schemes.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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How to challenge the garnishment Federal student borrowers should have received at least a 30-day warning before their Social Security benefit is offset, said higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
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Aggressive collection efforts, such as wage garnishments, are likely to lead many to D183CA turn to payday loans and other predatory financial products to cover basic living expenses.—
Aisha Nyandoro,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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