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
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
And because the sites themselves are flammable, small warheads can set off infernos.
—Maria Varenikova, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See all Example Sentences for set off 
Verb
Peter and Rose force-seal the vents of the top four floors by setting off a fire inside with sulfuric acid and hand sanitizer, a little lesson Dr. Cole.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
And because the sites themselves are flammable, small warheads can set off infernos.
—Maria Varenikova, New York Times, 24 Jan. 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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Sudden immersion in such frigid water, known as cold shock, can trigger immediate physiological responses such as uncontrolled gasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilation, according to the National Weather Service.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN,
30 Jan. 2025
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The loss triggered cascade of losses for other tech companies and consequently a major 3% downdraft in the Nasdaq index.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Shop for everything from flags and T-shirts to home decor and ornaments.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
23 Jan. 2025
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While Swank rocked a red sweater with white cuffs, one of her 1-year-old twins stole the show, diaper-clad and completely mesmerized by the ornaments.—
George Monastiriakos,
Newsweek,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Shortly after, troopers observed the vehicle heading south on I-91 and followed the vehicle without lights or sirens activated, according to state police.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
4 Feb. 2025
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The month begins with Venus conjunct Neptune in Pisces, activating your expansive ninth house of self-discovery.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Using beads for ornamentation or prayer is ancient.—
Judy Knotts,
Austin American-Statesman,
27 Dec. 2024
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Suddenly, columns became arbitrarily tall and stretched, ornamentation grew bolder, and interiors felt more cavernous thanks to new construction techniques that allowed higher ceilings and required less interior columns.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
24 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Trump’s actions sparked accusations he was motivated by self-interest and vengefulness.—
Bart Jansen,
USA TODAY,
3 Feb. 2025
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President Trump’s decision Monday morning to delay tariffs on Mexico for one month sparked an intraday turnaround on Wall Street, but some investors and strategists are still on edge about the potential risks of a trade war with our three largest trading partners.—
Jesse Pound,
CNBC,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Fortunately, Amazon’s home department has a new section that’s filled with all kinds of fun Valentine’s Day decorations.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
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He was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973, and later awarded the Silver Star for Valor, Purple Heart, and P.O.W. medal among many other military decorations and awards.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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His characters are driven by their needs; they’re not driven by rational thinking.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
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Welter got the scoring started with a three-run triple in the second inning and a home run in the fourth inning that drove in two more runs.—
Todd Abeln,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Different garnishments to resume at different times Federal student loan borrowers who’ve defaulted on their loans may see their wages garnished starting in October of this year, according to the Education Department memo.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
24 Jan. 2025
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And involuntary collections actions, including Treasury Offset and administrative wage garnishment, are expected to resume later in 2025.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near set off
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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