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
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Any unexpected sound, even getting a text message, would set off a jolt of panic through my body, the same sensation as slamming on the brakes while driving.
—Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
After running the financial models and tallying the costs associated with the new levies, Liss set off to Asia in March to search for an alternative business plan.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Any unexpected sound, even getting a text message, would set off a jolt of panic through my body, the same sensation as slamming on the brakes while driving.
—Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 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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Instead of moving with strength or purpose, the suit is agile, lithe, and capable of sliding out of the way of green projectiles to trigger a slow down and gain access to more powerful attacks.—
Kazuma Hashimoto,
Rolling Stone,
31 Mar. 2025
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More and more countries make cuts And the Trump administration's cuts have triggered a domino effect of sorts: soon after those cuts were announced.—
Khwaga Ghani,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Like so much of rap, Carti’s choice of words reflects an obsession with male power dynamics, where women, cars, and drugs are accrued and consumed as ornaments of power.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2025
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The artifacts—including golden rings, ornaments, beads and a small statue depicting three ancient Egyptian gods—date back to ancient Egypt’s 26th Dynasty, which lasted from 664 to 525 B.C.E., according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recently issued a joint advisory warning that two-factor authentication needed to be activated for all webmail and VPN accounts as a matter of urgency.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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New users can sign up through our links to activate this welcome offer in time for second round action over the weekend.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Things got back on track, and Longstreth played another demo: melismatic ornamentation, vocal harmonies, and shifting tonal centers.—
Anna Wiener,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
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The fireplace mantle featured simple greenery, and the side tables had minimal ornamentation.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The viral clip has sparked debate among users on TikTok, with some praising destination weddings, while others were critical.—
Lee Habeeb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
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China’s defiant stance has sparked fears that countries will retaliate rather than negotiating with the U.S. Trump unveiled the tariffs Wednesday in a meandering White House Rose Garden news conference.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In the script, Auburn offers a blank canvas — no instructions for set decoration.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the U.S. for valor on the battlefield.—
Julie Depenbrock,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ultimately, the league’s decision-making on NBA expansion will be driven by a combination of market size, media presence, economic factors, and ownership interest.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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This approach delivers precision targeting that drives measurable results.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Without a court order, the federal government can seize up to 15% of a defaulted borrower's paycheck via administrative wage garnishment.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Typically, that involves providing resources to assist with tax debts and wage or Social Security garnishments—those matters may be handled through low-income tax clinics.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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