as in starts
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
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Recent Examples of kickoffs
One of the major discussion points throughout this tournament – especially in Europe – has been about game times with many kickoffs coming late for the US East Coast or overnight for Europeans.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Along with the hydration breaks, more evening kickoffs were scheduled in the hottest host cities to take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures.
—
Carlos Roa,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2026
The 2026 World Cup has already featured plenty of drama, memorable moments and results, but the last set of group-stage matches with simultaneous kickoffs is one of the best things in the sport.
—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
While the matches drew protests against the Iranian regime, including some booing both times the national anthem was played before kickoffs, the crowds heavily favored and cheered loudly for the Iranian team.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Next month marks the one-year countdown to the Birmingham edition of Prince Harry's Invictus Games, and the couple has attended Invictus kickoffs together previously.
—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Incoom, a special teams ace, will be a primary member of the coverage teams on punts and kickoffs.
—
Mike Kaye
june 16,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Fans who like Saturday games and dislike nighttime kickoffs should be quite pleased.
—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
27 May 2026
Those include the creation of the Sunday Night Soccer package, the allowance of more daytime kickoffs in colder-weather markets, and most recently the erasure of the MLS Season Pass package in favor of making the entire match inventory available for all Apple TV+ subscribers.
—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Along with the hydration breaks, more evening kickoffs were scheduled in the hottest host cities to take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures.
—
Carlos Roa,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2026
The 2026 World Cup has already featured plenty of drama, memorable moments and results, but the last set of group-stage matches with simultaneous kickoffs is one of the best things in the sport.
—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
While the matches drew protests against the Iranian regime, including some booing both times the national anthem was played before kickoffs, the crowds heavily favored and cheered loudly for the Iranian team.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Next month marks the one-year countdown to the Birmingham edition of Prince Harry's Invictus Games, and the couple has attended Invictus kickoffs together previously.
—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Incoom, a special teams ace, will be a primary member of the coverage teams on punts and kickoffs.
—
Mike Kaye
june 16,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Fans who like Saturday games and dislike nighttime kickoffs should be quite pleased.
—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
27 May 2026
Those include the creation of the Sunday Night Soccer package, the allowance of more daytime kickoffs in colder-weather markets, and most recently the erasure of the MLS Season Pass package in favor of making the entire match inventory available for all Apple TV+ subscribers.
—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kickoffs
Noun
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Schlittler allowed four homers after allowing six homers in his first 17 starts.
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Before processing starts, these enclaves employ attestation mechanisms to confirm the integrity of the code and environment.
Noun
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Recent Harvard commencements have grown much more political.
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Originally called MarchingOrder, Tassel had provided services for commencements for around 20 years before adding the AI name offering.
Noun
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Roberts has an American Dream story - from his beginnings in an orphanage in South Korea.
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Here's to family, friendship, new beginnings, and making the most beautiful memories yet.
Noun
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Experts said the second earthquake began before the first had even ended, with the two onsets separated by just 39 seconds.
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Anxiety disorders can persist into adulthood, particularly those disorders with early onsets and those that are left untreated.
Noun
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The vast majority of these launches have involved the 59-foot-tall (18-meter-tall) Electron, which gives small satellites dedicated rides to orbit.
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The agency is anticipating 29 rocket launches and 28 moon landings during the third phase.
Noun
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In the past few years, Underwood has come to realize that a bunch of barking alphas may not, in fact, be the best way to build a successful pack.
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As a ballplayer, Kent was as irascible as Bonds; the two alphas reportedly brawled behind clubhouse doors, and famously clashed in the dugout during a 2002 game, when Bonds lunged for Kent’s throat and pushed him against the wall.
Noun
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Pictures of the Charlotte Hornets’ all-time franchise leader in points hang from the ceiling along one of the baselines of the host of basketball and volleyball courts.
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Using per-game instead of per-60 baselines while adding extensive adjustments for quality of competition, teammates and pace has brought every player’s value much closer to conventional wisdom.
Cite this Entry
“Kickoffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kickoffs. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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