1
as in beginning
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dying
slang
to stop living
surprisingly, the recluse was worth a cool million when he kicked off
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kicking off
For the second time in as many years, the Colorado Rapids are kicking off a new era in Commerce City.
—
Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
After a long day of travel, checking in to your hotel room and kicking off your shoes might feel like just the thing to finally put you in vacation mode.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Smaller streamers would likely have to consolidate just to keep up, kicking off a snowball effect in the market.
—Hal Singer, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
The 68th annual Grammys are kicking off the month of love, and all the lovers and haters are tuning in.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Between flirty cocktails and a skillet full of molten cheese, Applebee’s latest offerings make a strong case for kicking off the year with comfort, color and a little extra fun.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Girl Scout cookie season is kicking off in Charlotte, and there’s a new flavor joining the lineup.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
Fittingly kicking off the video with a photo of her hand with a soap manicure holding Luai’s tiny hand, The Parent Trap alum went through several big milestones with her family from the past year in the Reel.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Married at First Sight is kicking off its 20th season with a major change.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
After a long day of travel, checking in to your hotel room and kicking off your shoes might feel like just the thing to finally put you in vacation mode.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Smaller streamers would likely have to consolidate just to keep up, kicking off a snowball effect in the market.
—Hal Singer, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
The 68th annual Grammys are kicking off the month of love, and all the lovers and haters are tuning in.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Between flirty cocktails and a skillet full of molten cheese, Applebee’s latest offerings make a strong case for kicking off the year with comfort, color and a little extra fun.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Girl Scout cookie season is kicking off in Charlotte, and there’s a new flavor joining the lineup.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
Fittingly kicking off the video with a photo of her hand with a soap manicure holding Luai’s tiny hand, The Parent Trap alum went through several big milestones with her family from the past year in the Reel.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Married at First Sight is kicking off its 20th season with a major change.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking off
Verb
-
The band joins Yellowcard for the Up Up Down Down Tour, a 27-date spring outing with Plain White T’s beginning May 6 in Atlanta and concluding June 20 in Springfield, Massachusetts.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Selection Sunday is March 15, with First Four games beginning two days later and the first round following March 19.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Birds infected with the virus may exhibit symptoms common to colds and flu in humans or may have no apparent symptoms before dying from the disease.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Elevated sections followed by flat lines indicate the heart muscle is not getting enough blood flow and may be dying.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Don Lemon was arrested for covering anti-ICE protests inside a Minnesota church and is now commencing the best press tour of his life.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
-
In his late 20s at the time, Murdoch was commencing a staggering hot streak that would last roughly a decade.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The players could feel the former United and Wales winger starting to move up the gears.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The 6-foot-8 power forward played just five minutes in the first game against Houston before the break, scoring on two field goal attempts and one of two free throws, but he will be counted on to back up starting center Brook Lopez.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Don’t leave without checking out the rooftop cafe, which offers incredible city views.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Getting your tiny house is as simple as checking out your Amazon cart and preparing for delivery.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Steve only got to visit Wanda in Broad Cove a couple of times before becoming too ill with AIDS to make the trip and eventually passing away from the disease.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Adichie has experienced significant loss over the last few years, with both of her parents passing away a year apart.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fear of stepping out of their houses, going to work, grocery shopping and even practicing their religion.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
He was seen stepping out of his vehicle at his sister Annie's home.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20off. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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