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
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
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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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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
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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
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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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
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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
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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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The publication of children’s magazine content on science may have driven some of this research.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Mar. 2025
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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
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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Borrowers can avoid wage garnishment by entering into a rehabilitation agreement or consolidating their defaulted loans.—
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 20 Apr. 2025.
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