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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 kickoffs
Both Riley and Bates returned kickoffs in 2024, with Riley scoring a 96-yard touchdown against Utah State.
—
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
Still, the overall injury rate is lower than previous kickoffs, when the coverage team had a running start compared to the standing start of the new rule.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Concussions There were 35 concussions on kickoffs in 2025 compared to eight in 2024 mainly because moving the touchback to the 35-yard line resulted in 1,157 more returns.
—Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
For a prospect with such gaudy rushing statistics, Walton appears capable of doing a little bit of everything, including returning kickoffs.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
One particularly promising application involves tracking when the ball crosses the sideline during kickoffs and punts.
—Jason Corso, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Souza shared data suggesting the previous format for kickoffs carried a concussion rate four times that of a regular pass or run play from scrimmage.
—Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Feb. 2026
There were also exhibits that had guests run game plays, do kickoffs at football field lengths and test their throwing skills.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
updated February 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Though a few other teams had their punter handle kickoffs — a tactic that didn’t work out very well for the Rams — the 31-year-old Myers hit all scoring kicks and kickoffs without wearing down across 19 games.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
Still, the overall injury rate is lower than previous kickoffs, when the coverage team had a running start compared to the standing start of the new rule.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Concussions There were 35 concussions on kickoffs in 2025 compared to eight in 2024 mainly because moving the touchback to the 35-yard line resulted in 1,157 more returns.
—Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
For a prospect with such gaudy rushing statistics, Walton appears capable of doing a little bit of everything, including returning kickoffs.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
One particularly promising application involves tracking when the ball crosses the sideline during kickoffs and punts.
—Jason Corso, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Souza shared data suggesting the previous format for kickoffs carried a concussion rate four times that of a regular pass or run play from scrimmage.
—Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Feb. 2026
There were also exhibits that had guests run game plays, do kickoffs at football field lengths and test their throwing skills.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
updated February 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Though a few other teams had their punter handle kickoffs — a tactic that didn’t work out very well for the Rams — the 31-year-old Myers hit all scoring kicks and kickoffs without wearing down across 19 games.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kickoffs
Noun
-
In his last three starts before the All-Star break, Alcantara gave up 24 hits and 18 earned runs in 17 innings.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
At 6-foot-1 and 179 pounds, Masses is a long, lanky (31-inch arms) defensive back with 42 college starts, between Cal and Florida International.—
Mike Kaye
April 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
By moving some commencements away from increasingly costly private sites, the financially ailing school district could have saved about half a million dollars a year.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Near the beginnings of our respective careers, we were separately introduced to one such cocktail that seemed like the height of sophistication to young, budding industry professionals.—
Jerry & Krista Slater,
AJC.com,
12 Apr. 2026
-
From its single-truck beginnings, Piece of Cake has expanded into a national operation with hubs in major cities including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas.—
NIa Bowers,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But there were no reports of missile launches from Lebanon to Israel.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Near-term commercial Starship launches are already contracted at about $90 million, with long-term targets plunging to $2-10 million per launch as reusability matures.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
-
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.—
Jeremy Collins,
The Atlantic,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Finding a truly good one these days — someone who maintains worthy baselines of bravery, humility and realness — feels near miraculous.—
Colin Fleming,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
After a 26-year run that yielded four state championships at Pope High School, Rowland was tired of dragging the field and chalking the baselines.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kickoffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kickoffs. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
