1
: something that is set off against another thing:
a
2
: the reduction or discharge of a debt or claim by setting against it a distinct claim in favor of the debtor or party who is the object of the first claim (as in a lawsuit)
also
: the offsetting claim itself
3
set off; setting off; sets off
1
2
a
: offset, compensate
more variety in the Lancashire weather to set off its most disagreeable phases—
Geog. Jour.
Geog. Jour.
b
: to make a setoff of
the respective totals shall be set off against one another—O. R. Hobson
O. R. Hobson3
a
: to set in motion : cause to begin
b
: to cause to explode
4
: to measure off on a surface
: to start out on a course or a journey
set off for home
Synonyms
Examples of setoff in a Sentence
Noun
the architect used stone carvings as setoffs for the building's marble facing
Verb
set off a bomb
Recent Examples on the Web
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
The 2005 revelation set off a chain of events that led to Pluto’s still-controversial demotion from planet status the following year.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for setoff 
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Noun
That setoff a worldwide hunt for the impact site.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
Verb
Extra spicy In the United States, many people seek out spicy ramen, but that’s not necessarily the case in Japan, according to Osaka, where ramen wasn’t meant to bind to your tongue and set off pain receptors in your brain.
—Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
The 2005 revelation set off a chain of events that led to Pluto’s still-controversial demotion from planet status the following year.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for setoff
Dictionary Entries Near setoff
Cite this Entry
“Setoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setoff. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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