1
as in to begin
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
I'll kick off the discussion on ethics with this question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to die
slang
to stop living
surprisingly, the recluse was worth a cool million when he kicked off
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beginning
the point at which something begins
a political cycle in which an election marks not only the end of one campaign but also the kickoff for the next one
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kick off
Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026
Malone has also announced a run of live shows to support the album, which kicks off in June with a performance at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco, before stopping in places like Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, and more.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2026
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
The scouting combine is the unofficial kickoff to the NFL offseason, as the entire football universe descends on Indianapolis’ abundant hotel lobbies and steakhouses to have discussions about free agency and the draft.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Verb
The bill's fiscal note estimates this would kick off about 3,000 Hoosier families.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026
Malone has also announced a run of live shows to support the album, which kicks off in June with a performance at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco, before stopping in places like Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, and more.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
The model touched down in the City of Light today, marking the kickoff to Paris Fashion Week.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
The scouting combine is the unofficial kickoff to the NFL offseason, as the entire football universe descends on Indianapolis’ abundant hotel lobbies and steakhouses to have discussions about free agency and the draft.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kick off
Verb
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With two and a half weeks remaining before the Twins begin their season in Baltimore, there are still plenty of roster questions to be sorted out, particularly in the outfield.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2026
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The trade will not become official until the new league year begins on Wednesday.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Her bank records, which are in the files, showed that Noel received thousands of dollars in cash and Zelle payments in the months before Epstein died.—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
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At least 560,000 corals died within a third of a mile of the dredging, and more probably died as sediment drifted miles away, according to the 2019 study.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Defense Department has been exploring ways to harden positions and counter drones ever since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict four years ago.—
James LaPorta
March 5,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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According to the announcement, the transaction is expected to close in either the end of the first financial quarter or beginning of the second quarter.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sign up here to receive an email right as the chat is about to start.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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Peas, spinach, arugula, carrots, beets, kale, radishes, lettuce, and potatoes can be grown now and are easy to start from seed directly sown into the soil.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Additionally, the Hudson Farmers' Market draws local growers and makers with fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and flowers on Saturdays from spring to fall.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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The Hurricanes came oh-so-close before falling short, 92-89.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA and widow of its founder, Charlie Kirk, will be the 2026 commencement speaker at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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After the public vote, the winner was announced during the college's May 2024 commencement ceremony — the Manta Ray, which has a wing span of up to 23 feet, weighs up to 3,000 pounds and can leap out of the water.—
Beth Reese Cravey,
Florida Times-Union,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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On March 8, most of North America and Europe, along with some Caribbean and Central American Countries, will move their clocks one hour forward and commence Daylight Saving Time (DST).—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
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The team’s 2026 model car wasn’t in its wind tunnel until mid-April last year, when other teams had commenced such testing in January 2025.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The condition came on quickly and unexpectedly with no specific trigger or event to explain the onset.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2026
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The abrupt onset of social isolation and the disruption of academic routine led to anxiety.—
Suzette Hackney,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kick off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kick%20off. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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