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
Relevance
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
Pavan Mahal, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Snowmobile enthusiasts, gear up for the 57th annual International 500 snowmobile race week to kick off this weekend.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The energy starts hours before kickoff, with some locations opening their doors early for fans eager to secure a seat.
—Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Verb
Over the past few weeks, millions have been sharing throwback photos to that time on social media, kicking off one of the first viral trends of the year — the year 2026, that is.
—Pavan Mahal, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Snowmobile enthusiasts, gear up for the 57th annual International 500 snowmobile race week to kick off this weekend.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
Bad Bunny will play the halftime show while Green Day will perform ahead of the kickoff.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The energy starts hours before kickoff, with some locations opening their doors early for fans eager to secure a seat.
—Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kick off
Verb
-
What began as a performance became a collective release.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
What began in Tehran late December in response to the collapse in currency and economic conditions quickly took on a political character -- with crowds on the streets openly calling for regime change.—
Somayeh Malekian,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Giuffre died by suicide last year at age 41.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Lauryn Hill will perform a tribute to D'Angelo, who died of cancer in October at the age of 51, and Roberta Flack, who died in February at age 88.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That’s been around since the beginning of time.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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Banfield's at-times tense testimony comes after his attorney scrutinized the county's investigation into the defendant, arguing that officials, almost since the beginning, forced a theory that the husband had catfished and killed his wife, and ignored evidence that undermined that conclusion.—
OLIVIA DIAZ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On Saturday night and early Sunday, forecasters expect wind and snow that could lead to blizzard conditions before the storm starts to move to sea.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
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The team announced Thursday night that Ian Cunningham, 40, who started his career as a personnel assistant with the Baltimore Ravens, is their new general manager.—
D. Orlando Ledbetter,
AJC.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With a light snow falling outside McCamish Pavilion, Henri Veesaar gave North Carolina (17-4, 5-3 ACC) a devastating 1-2 punch on the inside with 20 points and 12 rebounds.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
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These cycles, which last about 11 years, mark periods of rising and falling solar activity.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Still, none of these details have stopped Shetty’s ascent; just this past year, the podcast host wrapped a North American tour, gave a commencement speech at Princeton University, and brought his tea brand to Whole Foods nationwide.—
Alexa Lee,
STAT,
27 Jan. 2026
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Wallace gave a commencement speech for the ages, but homily was not his métier.—
Hermione Hoby,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The company said closing sales will commence January 31 for select Off 5th stores and all Last Call locations.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
29 Jan. 2026
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That all changed Wednesday evening, when the Metro Mesa League opener commenced between the two schools at Olympian.—
Breven Honda,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While Rodgers had a relatively productive first season with the Steelers, the 42-year-old quarterback is undoubtedly much closer to the sunset of his storied career than the onset.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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This could be a sign of early-onset supplement psychosis.—
Alyssa Brandt,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kick off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kick%20off. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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