set off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of set offnext
as in to trigger
to cause to function set off a bomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

setoff

2 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌȯf How to pronounce setoff (audio)
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
The encounter has set off new criticism over immigration enforcement in Houston, where local prosecutors are also investigating a July fatal shooting by a federal immigration officer. — Lekan Oyekanmi, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Sources and investigators have since said that set off alarms because Tonzelli was reported missing in 2023. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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
  1. trigger
  2. ornament
  3. activate
  4. ornamentation
  5. spark
  6. decoration
  7. drive
  8. garnishment
Verb
  • The proposal would give frontier AI developers a clearer legal framework while restricting the circumstances that could trigger government action.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson, whose comments helped trigger the confrontation, was not a defendant in the lawsuit.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of trigger
Noun
  • Scarabs, serpents, vultures, lunar ornaments, ancient gods like Horus and Anubis carved from gold and lapis lazuli—all strategically placed on various points along the body.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
  • With a tornado warning in effect Sunday afternoon, workers had decided to forgo blowing up the oversized lawn ornament.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • Users can speak to HomeView to control smart home devices, such as, for example, telling Siri to close the smart blinds or activate smart locks.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $180.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of activate
Noun
  • Known colloquially as the Flower Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi draws its botanical inspiration not from its overall form but from its sumptuous ornamentation.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And brands like Cecilie Bahnsen and Dries Van Noten have reinvented the sporty shoe into something more like a collectable via unique and beautiful ornamentation.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Verb
  • Hackers raised the temperature of refrigerators and freezers, sparking fires and causing food to spoil.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Internet was also expected to spark a productivity boom and did so, briefly, in the late 1990s.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of spark
Noun
  • His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.
    — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Christmas decorations linger into summer, and grasses grow high through rusting cars.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of decoration
Verb
  • These viruses infect diverse deep-sea prokaryotes that drive vital cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and metals.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The benefits of space exploration extend well beyond the Moon, potentially driving advances in energy storage, electric vehicles and other technologies on Earth.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of drive
Noun
  • Many sought wage garnishments, but none charged as high as 18% annual interest on bills, the rate Marshall tacked on.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The women faced debts far beyond their capacity to pay, with possible wage garnishment, loss of assets and federal collection lawsuits.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of garnishment

Browse Nearby Words

set in motion
set off
setoff
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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