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
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
Retailers are trying to lure in shoppers by kicking off Black Friday early with doorbusters and other deals.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
After kicking off her career on the UK’s T4, Jamil has starred in a variety of big American hits.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025
Two light festivals are kicking off in the Bay Area with impressive public art, including a series that will shine brightly at eight stories tall.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
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
Retailers are trying to lure in shoppers by kicking off Black Friday early with doorbusters and other deals.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
After kicking off her career on the UK’s T4, Jamil has starred in a variety of big American hits.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025
Two light festivals are kicking off in the Bay Area with impressive public art, including a series that will shine brightly at eight stories tall.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking off
Verb
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In their prior five SEC losses, opponents largely controlled the game from beginning to end.—
Ethan Westerman,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
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An intense arctic cold front will move through South Florida beginning Saturday morning and move into the Florida Straits by Saturday night.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The film tells the story of Zeba, who is newly married to man-child Sajawal after having three suitors who ended up dying.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
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The donor chose medical aid in dying (called PRAM in Spain), and offered her organs — and, in a world’s first, her face — for donation before dying, according to a release from the hospital.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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The 83-year-old senator has had multiple health issues over the past few years, including publicly freezing during a press conference in 2023 and falling ahead of a Senate vote in October 2025.—
Lillian Metzmeier,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Feb. 2026
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Among the videos, prosecutors wrote, is one that shows the bullet hitting Kirk, blood coming from his neck and Kirk falling from his chair.—
Matthew Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Where to Shop First at the Thrift Store Both experts recommend starting with the categories that carry higher retail prices when purchased new.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
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With Angelichio's hiring, McCarthy's coaching staff is starting to come together just over one week after he was introduced as the new head coach of the Steelers.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Peru sits along the Mississinewa River in north-central Indiana, and has antique shopping, farm experiences, and outdoor recreation worth checking out any time of year.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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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
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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
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Mollie lived a long life, passing away in December 1947 at age 80.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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He was seen stepping out of his vehicle at his sister Annie's home.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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After stepping out in a parade of bra-baring sheer mesh looks in Paris and London, the Skims founder continued her peekaboo lingerie domination in a monochromatic mint outfit with a subtle NSFW see-through detail.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20off. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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