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
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
This set off years of conspiracy theories about how powerful individuals connected to him might have ordered him murdered to protect themselves, though none have been substantiated.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
His arrest has set off intense outrage, with protesters gathering outside the ICE New York City Field Office on Monday afternoon to demand his release from custody.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
This set off years of conspiracy theories about how powerful individuals connected to him might have ordered him murdered to protect themselves, though none have been substantiated.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 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 campaign was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 23, 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which fighters killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took a total of 251 people hostage.—
Julia Frankel,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
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Smartphone manufacturers will be allowed to design the widget experience for their lock screens; decide when a lock screen is triggered and preset their preferred widgets, for example.—
Jibin Joseph,
PCMAG,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The retro ornament, which ranged from florals and bows to more surrealist motifs, added a touch of whimsy to plenty of outerwear and monochrome looks.—
Irina Grechko,
refinery29.com,
25 Feb. 2025
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The 113 items—which include plaques, personal ornaments and figures—are currently housed in the Wereldmuseum Leiden, part of the country’s National Museum of World Cultures.—
Karen K. Ho,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Leo full moon activates themes of intimacy and transformation, encouraging you to dive deeper into your emotional connections.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Mar. 2025
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The following year, on Oct. 21, the fledgling military branch activated Space Operations Command at Peterson Air Force Base (now Peterson Space Force Base) in Colorado.—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In an era where contemporary architecture often relies on cladding and heavy ornamentation, Paradero celebrates simplicity.—
Natalie Stoclet,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
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Simple forms and geometries abound, with a distinct lack of more organic elements like curved shapes, soft textures, and overly decorative ornamentation.—
Lauren Gallow,
Architectural Digest,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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One sailor was presumed dead in the collision, which sparked fears of significant environmental damage.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
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Nearly 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in the attack that sparked the war in Gaza, according to the Israeli government, and more than 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza health officials.—
Daniel Estrin,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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There is also going to be a future patch that moves beyond purely technical issues to get into some of the larger problems in the game, and Capcom has made a long list of changes and fixes coming in that next update: Equipment loadouts can remove decorations, Bowgun customization and Kinsects.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
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Walls display Black History Month decorations, a tree made of pink paper hearts and posters of historical figures like the Wright brothers and George Washington Carver.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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So, does your workplace use curiosity to drive meaningful results?—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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The other victims include the 26-year-old driving the BMW, his 23-year-old passenger and the front passenger of the Camry.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This means consequences like wage garnishment and tax refund seizures could kick in for the first time since 2019 for those who can't get back on track.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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The criminal investigation into Sessler started after a Legal Aid lawyer questioned the authenticity of garnishment documents.—
Cary Spivak,
Journal Sentinel,
1 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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