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
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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Trump’s actions, based on economically questionable math, have triggered retaliatory tariffs, stoked trade wars, and escalated recession odds.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
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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Things got back on track, and Longstreth played another demo: melismatic ornamentation, vocal harmonies, and shifting tonal centers.—
Anna Wiener,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
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The fireplace mantle featured simple greenery, and the side tables had minimal ornamentation.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The viral clip has sparked debate among users on TikTok, with some praising destination weddings, while others were critical.—
Lee Habeeb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
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China’s defiant stance has sparked fears that countries will retaliate rather than negotiating with the U.S. Trump unveiled the tariffs Wednesday in a meandering White House Rose Garden news conference.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In the script, Auburn offers a blank canvas — no instructions for set decoration.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the U.S. for valor on the battlefield.—
Julie Depenbrock,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno drove state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, in a 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am past the state Capitol on Tuesday, rallying support for legislation that would ease restrictions on classic cars.—
HECTOR AMEZCUA,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Tate Beran drove in a pair of runs, while Ryan Kastor picked up his second save with two scoreless innings of relief.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Without a court order, the federal government can seize up to 15% of a defaulted borrower's paycheck via administrative wage garnishment.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Typically, that involves providing resources to assist with tax debts and wage or Social Security garnishments—those matters may be handled through low-income tax clinics.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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