SET OFF Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

set off 1 of 2

verb

Definition of set off

as in to trigger

to cause to function set off a bomb

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

setoff

2 of 2

noun

ˈset-ˌȯf

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

Verb

Wilson was set off by a fan sitting courtside, who believed the blocking foul to be a charge. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 The 7500 distress code, which is used to signal a possible hijacking, set off alarms at the highest levels. — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 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 See All Example Sentences for set off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for set off

Verb

In the device studied by the scientists, applying a voltage triggered a localized transition from an insulator to a conductor.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Gross domestic product grew over three months ending in June, defying fear of a downturn triggered by the Iran war.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

India’s notable opulence within ornaments comes to life in the jewelry.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
On August 27, thieves made off with almost all of it, leaving behind only a small handful of silver vessels, one bracelet, ornaments, and one of four crowns, thought to have been dropped in their escape.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornament

Verb

Choose from heat mode or cool mode depending on the season, and then activate night mode for the quietest settings and a dimmer display.

— Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
In order to promote its use, new ShipStation customers who choose to activate Ship with Walmart will be given a 20 percent discount on their annual subscription.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of activate

Noun

And brands like Cecilie Bahnsen and Dries Van Noten have reinvented the sporty shoe into something more like a collectable via unique and beautiful ornamentation.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Defined by lavish ornamentation, geometric forms, and unabashed glamour, Art Deco is having a major revival this fall.

— Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Verb

The killing of a woman in Okinawa has sparked an outcry across Japan and inflamed long-simmering tensions over the US military presence on the island.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 7 Oct. 2026
The setback sparked wide speculation that Sánchez would move forward the general election and use the momentum on the housing issue against his right-wing opponents.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of spark

Noun

Panels also featured decorations that included hearts, rainbows, sequins, a Star of David, a chef’s hat, a chorus line of dancers, teddy bears, and a panda.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
The question was how much decoration Chloé‘s promise of easy dressing could comfortably carry.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of decoration

Verb

The reason for that is the unquenching market need for solid factual projects that can both be popular on linear channels and drive older viewers to streaming services.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
The urgency of their push comes as major European companies undergo huge job losses — Volkswagen plans to cut 100,000 workers — which experts have said could drive political upheaval.

— Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of drive

Noun

Depending on state law and the circumstances, a judgment can give a creditor access to collection tools such as wage garnishment, bank account levies or property liens.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Defaulting on your student loans can tank your credit score and trigger even more serious consequences, including wage garnishment.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 July 2026

Definition of garnishment

Browse Nearby Words

set in motion

set off

setoff

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Style

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of set off

verb

noun

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