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
Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
The catch set off a wild celebration by the Eagles players, who have a chance to earn the baseball program’s second section title.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 27 May 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Visiting wildlife aficionados are welcome to rent a kayak and set off in search of local birds like the sanderling and ruddy turnstone, while the company also offers a glassbottom boat tour that provides captivating views of the native coral reefs.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
The catch set off a wild celebration by the Eagles players, who have a chance to earn the baseball program’s second section title.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 27 May 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
-
Now that anxiety has triggered an official backlash.—
Pau Mosquera,
CNN Money,
30 May 2025
-
Even minutes of downtime can erode market trust, invite regulatory scrutiny and trigger systemic consequences.—
Srikanth Bellamkonda,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
The Bronze Age: Revolutionizing Warfare And Society The science of metallurgy was practiced in Egypt, where heating copper enabled mold-casting into tools and ornaments.—
Ed Macha,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
The hand ornament represents the friendship between women, a spokesperson for Hu told me.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
In other words, for reasons still not fully understood, the robot’s yawn may have activated a biological response in the chimpanzees that led them to associate the gesture with sleep or rest.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
5 June 2025
-
Rocker had been dominant in two rehab outings prior to being activated on Wednesday.—
Compiled From Wire Reports,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Strong lines that team up to form geometric designs, metallic accents, luxe materials like marble and velvet, and eye-catching ornamentation are certainly part of the style's foundation, true.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
-
The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
These suggestions could prove to be the best present or at least spark an idea for the right gift for the dads in your life.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Rising heat, winds, and dry air sparked blazes in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, according to the country’s Department of Natural Resources.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
With a watermelon treat and party decorations, of course.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
28 May 2025
-
Across the five floors, which include the ground floor and the basement, all the structures accumulated in recent times were stripped away during the restoration to reveal 19th century decorations, 18th century trompe l’oeils, late 17th century frescoes and even earlier ornamentation.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
Sundowns’ success has also arguably been good for South Africa, helping drive new standards, develop players and coaches, and change perceptions about what is possible for clubs from the continent when investment is made available.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
Adrienne Long, 38, of Magnolia was killed around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday after a 2015 Chevrolet driving north on U.S. 79 near Magnolia crossed the turning lane and collided head-on with the 2015 Nissan that Long was driving south, according to a report.—
Grant Lancaster,
Arkansas Online,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, their wages would’ve been be subject to garnishment, meaning the government would take money — up to 15% of disposable income — out of their paychecks to repay the defaulted loans.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
-
Beyond possibly leading to wage garnishment, defaulting on a student loan hurts in other ways.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share