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
Examples 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
Marc Caputo, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
California fire officials pinpointed the start of the Eaton Fire on the evening of Jan. 7 to that area, but more than a week later, the exact source remains under investigation, fueling speculation over whether a high-voltage transmission tower is what set off the deadly wildfire.
—Stephanie Fuerte, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025
Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019
See all Example Sentences for set off 
Verb
Her appointment will set off a chain-reaction of office-seeking and Florida political drama heading into 2026.
—Marc Caputo, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
California fire officials pinpointed the start of the Eaton Fire on the evening of Jan. 7 to that area, but more than a week later, the exact source remains under investigation, fueling speculation over whether a high-voltage transmission tower is what set off the deadly wildfire.
—Stephanie Fuerte, NBC News, 16 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
-
The fire triggered a round of mandatory evacuations in the nearby areas of Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Results failed to meet bond covenants for more than $700 million borrowed against future revenue, triggering an uncomfortable conversation between the medical provider and the insurance company that protects investors.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Much of this nostalgia stems from decorations from Kendall’s childhood handed down from her mom Kris–most notably her collection of Christopher Radko tree ornaments.—
Hannah Martin,
Architectural Digest,
16 Jan. 2025
-
Various merchandise products were sold including tote bags, a plush toy, 50th anniversary hoodies and t-shirts, ceramic mugs, 18-ounce and 32-ounce thermal bottles, cold cup ornaments, pins and key chains.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
There is a release clause of around €55million (£46m) and Athletic will only sell if that gets activated, so the fact his contract ends in 2027 is irrelevant.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Apple’s recent software update, iOS 18.3, automatically activates the Apple Intelligence feature for both new users and those upgrading on eligible devices.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Of course, there is improv in the movie, just naturally little ornamentation and stuff.—
Mike Miller,
EW.com,
20 Dec. 2024
-
Suggestions range from temperature regulation to come-hither ornamentation for attracting mates, to tools of self-defense.—
Shi En Kim,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Within about an hour starting shortly after midnight Tuesday, three wildfires sparked in the Fallbrook and Bonsall areas.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Jan. 2025
-
One that opens up a deeper, more nuanced conversation, one that doesn’t just spark debate but reaches into the heart of cultural identity and personal truth.—
Ruhama Wolle,
Glamour,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
All of her vintage wedding decorations are currently being stored in her garage.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Family Uses Blackberries For Snowman’s Eyes, Goes As Expected By Daniella Gray Family and Parenting Reporter 0 A family from Georgia learned their lesson this week after their choice of snowman decorations backfired.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
When Dawn did not return home that night, friends and family drove around the school campus looking for her, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported at the time.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN,
26 Jan. 2025
-
On the night of the fire, Ford persuaded Anderson to drive him and another man to the house.—
Mara Bovsun,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Chip Somodevilla | Getty This year, for the first time in roughly five years, borrowers who have defaulted on their federal student loan debt will face collection activity, including the garnishment of their wages and retirement benefits.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
15 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 29 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share