as in to trigger
to cause to function
set off a bomb
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
This sets off what looks to be a delirious search across Ireland and beyond to solve the mystery of her whereabouts.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
That setoff a worldwide hunt for the impact site.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See All Example Sentences for set off
Verb
Employees put the food inside a locking cooler and the robot sets off on its solo journey to the customer’s door.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
This sets off what looks to be a delirious search across Ireland and beyond to solve the mystery of her whereabouts.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 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
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
-
Held for weeks with no contact The protests began in late December, triggered by anger over spiraling prices, and quickly spread across the country.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The protests began in late December, triggered by anger over spiraling prices, and quickly spread across the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Fill the base with white sand and a handful of small ornaments for interest at the base (the sand will also keep the display from tipping over).—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Kelly green walls, golden chandeliers and vibrant red ornaments set the stage for a dining experience set to a '50s playlist of Sinatra and Dean Martin.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
She was accused on Monday of having accidentally activated a website for a future campaign to lead the Labour Party.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The consultancy has a role in advising, managing, activating and measuring more than $5 billion in client partnerships across sports, entertainment, gaming and corporate social responsibility.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His photographs vibrate with the excess of their ornamentation, with an audacity of presence that exceeds the realm of the emblematic.—
Zoë Hopkins,
New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Its tapered legs and subtle ornamentation give it an old world quality that still looks right at home in a contemporary designscape.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … 'VILE' — Dem Rep's 'total meltdown' in heated hearing with ICE director sparks viral outrage.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The war has sparked worldwide protests and brought accusations of genocide that Israel denies.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The white-tablecloth service transforms the casual diner into a romantic destination featuring festive decorations and a specialty menu.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Not far from the festival, many families visited the Grand Century Mall in San Jose's Little Saigon neighborhood, shopping for groceries and decorations ahead of the holiday.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Immigration enforcement efforts in Oklahoma also have focused heavily on apprehending commercial truckers driving on interstate highways.—
Nuria Martinez-Keel,
Oklahoma Voice,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Duren had the ball and was driving toward the basket with just over seven minutes left in the third period when he was fouled by Diabate.—
Steve Reed,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Federal student loan borrowers who were bracing for wage garnishment got a major change of plans last month.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Many defaulted student loan borrowers had already received Treasury Offset notices (the first step to seizing a borrower’s tax refund), and the department was expected to send out the first wage garnishment notices in five years sometime this month.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
