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
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 kicking off
Keep those air conditioners humming, because this week is kicking off with some unusually hot weather.
—
Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2025
Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus.
—Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
But the regular season is kicking off in just over a week, and Hill is still there, but not without concern.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Ahead of the campaign kicking off, Beren Cross will be answering your questions right here on The Athletic’s website and app.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Oasis offered few surprises in its crowd-pleasing, hit-heavy 23-song set, which the band has reprised essentially without deviation since kicking off the Live ’25 tour in Wales in July.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 Aug. 2025
Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2025
Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus.
—Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
But the regular season is kicking off in just over a week, and Hill is still there, but not without concern.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Ahead of the campaign kicking off, Beren Cross will be answering your questions right here on The Athletic’s website and app.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Oasis offered few surprises in its crowd-pleasing, hit-heavy 23-song set, which the band has reprised essentially without deviation since kicking off the Live ’25 tour in Wales in July.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking off
Verb
-
The Fed has indeed been too late in beginning to relax monetary policy, and the bank would have known it much earlier with better BLS leadership.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
That means beginning with real underwriting and analysis, not guesswork.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Wilson's dying body was pulled inside the home by the family and restrained with his own handcuffs.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
As much of a character as any of the humans on the series, pup Eddie — played by Jack Russell terrier Moose — lived a long life, dying in 2006 at age 16.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The rebate checks were issued for three consecutive years, commencing in 1999.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Subsequently, Liddell highlights the importance of entrepreneurs commencing their journey with clear goals in place.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Crafted in Ireland, the coach features dark brown panels adorned with golden scrollwork and a gilded roof, offering shelter from the light rain falling over Berkshire.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
With the last night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve falling on the same day this year – something that rarely happens – the reverend and rabbi choose to offer a joint service for their congregations.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At one point, a running number tied to Boys and Girls Clubs of America flashed on the screen, starting at $100,000.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Score the bedding on sale in sizes ranging from twin to California king while it’s restocked, or opt for the set without a flat sheet starting at $70.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Many sought out their commemorative stones on the new Everton Way before checking out the rest of the impressive £800m development.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
10 Aug. 2025
-
Soundtracked by a heroic overture, the rest of the vignette shows Holland performing a high-wire stunt on top of a tank and checking out his performance on a monitor between shots.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The two are often spotted in coordinated looks, sometimes stepping out in glamorous princess gowns, other times keeping it casual in matching tracksuits, per Instagram posts.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Sure, Levy still has uncertain reservations about stepping out of his comfort zone, but that hasn’t stopped him from enjoying the luxury hotel reservations made for him, as well as his newfound appreciation for indelible adventures.—
Laura Manske,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Defense has 1 full-time starter returning Linebacker Dariel Djabome is the lone full-time starter returning on a unit that had a difficult time getting off the field on third down.—
Everett Merrill,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
-
The Mercedes, which had a temporary tag, was last seen getting off the highway on exit 8A onto Northwest 95th Street, according to the FHP.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kicking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20off. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share