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
Makenzie Boucher, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
But in April, Iranian forces downed an American fighter jet, setting off an intensive rescue operation—one that Hegseth compared to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
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
People who can identify with the victims are more likely to follow news about them, and that can set off a cycle of distress.
—Makenzie Boucher, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
But in April, Iranian forces downed an American fighter jet, setting off an intensive rescue operation—one that Hegseth compared to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
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
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In the next six years, this will trigger sudden short trips and changes with daily encounters like neighbors relatives and friends.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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War Powers Democrats have been using privileged resolutions in the Senate to trigger war powers votes on Iran and plan to use the procedure to bypass Republican leaders and bring their Cuba measure directly to the floor.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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One less thing to set up, one less unwanted lawn ornament.—
Joe Salas
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
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Hallmark went live on social media Friday from its Kansas City headquarters, featuring employees who helped create the ornaments.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Veteran right-hander Phil Maton will be activated from the IL during the Cubs’ upcoming series in San Diego.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Yet its sleek, monochromatic design serves as a quiet counterpoint to the temple’s rich ornamentation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Pale, dusty hues enhance natural light, offering a subtle counterpoint to the rich ornamentation, while ceiling paintings by Vicke Andrén, celebrated for his work at the Royal Swedish Opera, underscore the apartment’s artistic importance.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The comedian was subsequently taken off the air, sparking outcry and accusations of government censorship.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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But pilots and aviation experts say such warnings have been increasingly sparking alarm in cockpits as bogus signals from global positioning satellites hit commercial flights.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Featuring distinct forms and notable decorations, these pieces express identity, aesthetics, and wealth during a crucial period of change.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
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Each object features decoration – in bread of course – depicting wheat ears and sheafs, as well as hearts and olive branches.—
Francesca Perry,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Daniel Schneemann then drove the next pitch just over the left-centerfield field wall for a two-run homer.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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As Sousa-Martins drove forward, another agent shot at him 13 times, injuring Sousa-Martins as well as Solomon Antonio Serrano-Esquivel, a passenger in one of the ICE vehicles who was already in federal custody.—
Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If successful, a judgment against you can ultimately lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies, depending on your state laws.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
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Other states have restricted the use of wage garnishment and property liens to collect medical debt.—
Noam N. Levey,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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