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
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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
Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Netflix Is a Joke Fest kicked off on May 4 and extends through May 10.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2026
Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Jonathan David headed Juventus into an early lead, within 90 seconds of kickoff.
—ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Verb
With the county about to kick off annual budget talks, Cohen will soon have a chance to try to boost his staffing.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Netflix Is a Joke Fest kicked off on May 4 and extends through May 10.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2026
Noun
The Dodger Stadium kickoff will include other moments besides the drone show to mark the show’s 25th anni, with additional details to come.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Jonathan David headed Juventus into an early lead, within 90 seconds of kickoff.
—ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kick off
Verb
-
And of course Mike Brown pulled Mitchell Robinson, who missed four straight free throws when the 76ers began intentionally fouling him in the first quarter, only to continue extending the lead despite the Sixers’ attempts at stifling his rotation.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
-
Black voters who feared losing representation in Congress opposed that request and argued the justices should instead hold onto their April 29 ruling until after the election because voting in the primary had already begun.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Another hiker died on the same trail one week earlier after falling down a ravine, though officials haven’t clarified whether injuries or illness caused his death.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
One of the owners told officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that 31 other sloths, from Guyana and Peru, had died — either on the way to the attraction or after arriving and being stored over cold nights in a building with no heat or running water.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Clark spent six weeks at the beginning of this school year setting up and practicing classroom routines and procedures with her students.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Humble beginnings Menjívar arrived undocumented in the United States at age 18, fleeing a bloody civil war in El Salvador, stowed away in a car to avoid detection at the border.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Carolyn Hax started her Washington Post advice column in 1997, after five years on the Style desk and none as a therapist.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
15 May 2026
-
After an inaugural season on the road, next year could see the team finally start play in a more permanent home.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Huntington Beach fell behind early in the second set but continued to keep the set close before Fruerbringer’s kill gave the Mustangs a 16-11 lead.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
After a jump ball, Miles chased down the ball at midcourt, started to drive and passed to Hof, whose layup at the buzzer did not fall.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
While standing alone in Norlin Quad waiting to walk into Folsom Field for commencement, a grayed Pete Brock sparked the curiosity of a group of CU students that could be his grandchildren.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
-
All commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on the SAU Facebook page for those who wish to attend virtually.—
Ryan Anderson,
Arkansas Online,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Looking ahead, Schultz told investors that in fiscal 2027, the company will be commencing a program to raise Hibbett’s sales productivity by further optimizing its store footprint.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
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Disavowed had been on the runway since at least last July when casting commenced for the lead.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Indeed, emerging evidence suggests that early detection and aggressive treatment of psychiatric symptoms may improve long-term outcomes by delaying the onset of clinical neurodegeneration and mitigating the cumulative biological stress that accelerates brain aging.—
Eric J. Nestler,
STAT,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Now, three years after the initial onset of symptoms, Mollie uses a wheelchair and crutches daily and was forced to move in with their father.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kick off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kick%20off. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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