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
Corinne Purtill,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Simply wind up your lengths and let the texture through the crown—or even some face-framing flyaways—set off the style.
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Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
4 July 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
Pyrotechnics set off at home are even more likely to trigger cardiovascular problems, the American Lung Assn.
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Corinne Purtill,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Simply wind up your lengths and let the texture through the crown—or even some face-framing flyaways—set off the style.
—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
4 July 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
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By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.
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Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.
Noun
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These popular plants are superb, long-lasting garden ornaments.
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But what if diversity wasn’t just a checkbox or an ornament for your outward-facing messaging?
Verb
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
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Scent activates pathways that trigger emotional and memory responses.
Noun
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The rear fenders are muscular without being bulky, and the tail has a clean, modern appearance that avoids excessive ornamentation.
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Scenes from the Old and New Testaments unfold across its length, set within an elaborate decorative scheme inspired by Roman ornamentation.
Verb
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Whereas the federal incentive may have been enough to spark interest in a range of buyers, Moody said the lesser amount will probably appeal mainly to people who already have their eye on an EV.
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And a red card against an American soccer star sparks debate.
Noun
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People in costumes marched alongside floats with advertisements and extravagantly patriotic decorations.
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On Monday, June 29, multiple trucks were spotted outside the famous arena with workers loading equipment, grass and other decorations inside.
Verb
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The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
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Congestion is difficult to predict, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, when driving behavior shifted and peak traffic hours spread out instead of sticking to the more uniform 9-to-5 workday.
Noun
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Federal student loan default can also expose you to wage garnishment, tax refund complications, and in some cases, Social Security offsets.
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Understand how your disability benefits are protected A major concern for many disability recipients is whether a debt collector can take their benefits via tools like wage garnishment or bank levies.
Cite this Entry
“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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