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
He is also set to embark on a massive tour that features residencies across the globe, kicking off May 16 in Amsterdam.
—
Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
Benny Blanco is kicking off his shoes to silence his dirty feet critics.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
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
Married at First Sight is kicking off its 20th season with a major change.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
Benny Blanco is kicking off his shoes to silence his dirty feet critics.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
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
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
-
With Mack under contract, re-signing Oweh becomes a clear priority for Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz ahead of the free-agent negotiation period beginning Monday.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Citizens are eligible for Social Security payments beginning at 62 years old.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Basically, this mascot is carrying the flag for a quixotic battle to save a dying industry.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
There’s resistance to filmmakers coming in and telling the story of bears dying from climate change, and this trope that Inuit are frustrated by, and rightfully so.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Willie made it through the filming of the first episode, but as the second episode was commencing, word got to me that Willie had returned to Los Angeles and the end was near.—
Annabelle Gurwitch,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Feb. 2026
-
According to China General Nuclear (CGN), on 21st February, the reactor pressure vessel for unit 6 began hoisting operations, officially commencing the installation of the unit’s main nuclear island equipment.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Also Monday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange plunged, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index falling nearly 10% amid rising geopolitical tensions following attacks on Iran.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These Amazon finds cover just about every scenario—starting at just $10.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Mar. 2026
-
But the Heat still won by 16 despite foul trouble that kept starting center Bam Adebayo on the bench for most of the second half.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 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
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Ever since stepping out hand in hand with Prince Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games, Meghan Markle has occupied a singular space in the fashion discourse, equal parts modern royal and consummate California cool girl.—
Frances Solá-Santiago,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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After briefly stepping out of the courtroom with his attorney, Jones returned without making an offer to the state.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20off. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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