SET OFF Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

set off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of set off

as in to trigger

to cause to function set off a bomb

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

setoff

2 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌȯf

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

Verb

Ultimately, Miles sacrifices himself so that the others can escape, holding onto the detonator that sets off a massive explosion until his final breath. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 But Bernard’s move is a gambit, meant to create a distraction while the Mechanical guerrillas set off dynamite charges in the mines, for reasons as yet unrevealed. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for set off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for set off

Verb

Near-death experiences are frequently triggered by a life-threatening event, such as cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury or a car accident.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
This triggered a realignment within the gaming industry, and put them at odds with Nevada regulators, too.

— Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

So are the Catholic lawn ornaments and gardens sprouting eggplants and figs.

— Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026
Naomi, who was born to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, wore a Nike kit beneath its layers and completed her look with a traditional kanzashi hair ornament and Mikimoto jewelry.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ornament

Verb

Guided Vision will be available in the system Accessibility shortcuts and can also be activated from the TalkBack menu.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
China has activated the third generating unit at the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Sichuan Province, bringing all three units in the first phase into operation.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

In the episode that sparked the backlash, Piker claimed that pro-Israel Jewish leaders conflate Jewish identity with support for Israel, and cause anger at Israel to fuel antisemitism and endanger American Jews.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The investigation was sparked after the West Side safety net hospital came under fire for improperly doling out COVID-19 vaccinations soon after the shots became available.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of spark

Noun

Dinosaur decorations plastered the area and shelves carried books like Pikachu’s First Friends, referring to the iconic yellow Pokémon character.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Plenty of cat decorations are also seen alongside his wife’s work, such as trinkets in the office and pillows in one of the bedrooms.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decoration

Verb

Bonnell also uses a belt drive as standard equipment for quieter, lower-maintenance operation, with an optional 520 chain conversion available for riders who prefer a more traditional setup.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Ronaldinho drove Madonna onto the field at half-time of the World Cup final in a weird little buggy thing.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of drive

Noun

After all, while there are protections surrounding the garnishment process, resolving an overpayment may require you to act quickly.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Defaulting on your student loans can tank your credit score and trigger even more serious consequences, including wage garnishment.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 July 2026

Definition of garnishment

Browse Nearby Words

set in motion

set off

setoff

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of set off

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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