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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Ultimately, Miles sacrifices himself so that the others can escape, holding onto the detonator that sets off a massive explosion until his final breath. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 But Bernard’s move is a gambit, meant to create a distraction while the Mechanical guerrillas set off dynamite charges in the mines, for reasons as yet unrevealed. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 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

Near-death experiences are frequently triggered by a life-threatening event, such as cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury or a car accident.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
This triggered a realignment within the gaming industry, and put them at odds with Nevada regulators, too.

— Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

So are the Catholic lawn ornaments and gardens sprouting eggplants and figs.

— Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026
Naomi, who was born to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, wore a Nike kit beneath its layers and completed her look with a traditional kanzashi hair ornament and Mikimoto jewelry.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ornament

Verb

Several other brands have activated during high-stakes competitions and inked their own collaborations that tap into the convergence of beauty and sports this year.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
Ars Video When activated, Motion Assist adds small dots around the edges of your phone screen over top of the content.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of activate

Verb

In the episode that sparked the backlash, Piker claimed that pro-Israel Jewish leaders conflate Jewish identity with support for Israel, and cause anger at Israel to fuel antisemitism and endanger American Jews.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The investigation was sparked after the West Side safety net hospital came under fire for improperly doling out COVID-19 vaccinations soon after the shots became available.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of spark

Noun

Dinosaur decorations plastered the area and shelves carried books like Pikachu’s First Friends, referring to the iconic yellow Pokémon character.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Plenty of cat decorations are also seen alongside his wife’s work, such as trinkets in the office and pillows in one of the bedrooms.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decoration

Noun

After all, while there are protections surrounding the garnishment process, resolving an overpayment may require you to act quickly.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Aug. 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Set off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/set%20off. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of set off

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes