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
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 15 May 2025
Also during the conclave, advocates for women’s ordination set off pink smoke flares over the Vatican to protest their exclusion from the priesthood and the election process.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
An emergency alert for Lakeville was sent to a wider area than intended Thursday, setting off alarms on cellphones — including for St. Paul residents.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 15 May 2025
Also during the conclave, advocates for women’s ordination set off pink smoke flares over the Vatican to protest their exclusion from the priesthood and the election process.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 15 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
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The decision triggered a federal investigation, which ultimately resulted in no charges.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
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Even minutes of downtime can erode market trust, invite regulatory scrutiny and trigger systemic consequences.—
Srikanth Bellamkonda,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
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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
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The hand ornament represents the friendship between women, a spokesperson for Hu told me.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Take these steps to win bonus bets for basketball, baseball, hockey and other sports this weekend: Follow the links on this page to activate the welcome offer.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
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Breathing in and sighing out slowly for longer than your in breath with an open mouth can activate the vagus nerve, a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system.—
Paul McClure
May 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Her disappearance sparked a weeks-long search that concluded on Thanksgiving Day that year, when a passing motorist spotted Papini alongside the highway — partially bound, injured and with a brand on her shoulder.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2025
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The moment instantly sparked playful reactions across the internet.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
Noun
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With a watermelon treat and party decorations, of course.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
28 May 2025
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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
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The franchise has driven over half a billion hours of streams, with the original accounting for more than 280 hours.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
26 May 2025
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Derek Jeter gets his 2,000th career hit, becoming the eighth player in Yankees history to reach the milestone. 2008 — Chase Utley tied the National League lead with his 16th homer and drove in six runs as Philadelphia routed Colorado 20-5.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2025
Noun
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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
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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 5 Jun. 2025.
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