1
as in begins
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 dies
slang
to stop living
surprisingly, the recluse was worth a cool million when he kicked off
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kicks off
The second and final weekend kicks off on Friday, April 17.
—
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Mexico kicks off the whole World Cup tournament on June 11.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
The trailer launch kicks off an exciting stretch for Rick and Morty fans.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
The South American powerhouse dominated the stat sheet as both teams continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in June.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The popular event that kicks off the two weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby was canceled last year due to historic floods.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
The tournament kicks off from TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course on Thursday morning.
—Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Mullin and Scrosati were two of the most high-profile executives set to address the Lille confab as the industry-facing Forum part of events kicks off today.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
Kristin Scharkey here, getting into the baseball spirit as the MLB season kicks off in a special way in San Francisco.
—Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Mexico kicks off the whole World Cup tournament on June 11.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
The trailer launch kicks off an exciting stretch for Rick and Morty fans.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
The South American powerhouse dominated the stat sheet as both teams continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in June.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The popular event that kicks off the two weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby was canceled last year due to historic floods.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
The tournament kicks off from TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course on Thursday morning.
—Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Mullin and Scrosati were two of the most high-profile executives set to address the Lille confab as the industry-facing Forum part of events kicks off today.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
Kristin Scharkey here, getting into the baseball spirit as the MLB season kicks off in a special way in San Francisco.
—Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicks off
Verb
-
In corporate news, luxury conglomerate and industry bellwether LVMH reported quarterly sales that missed expectations on Monday as the sector begins to decipher the fallout from the war in the Middle East and its impact on stocks.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
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As co-founder of Jason Hyde Jewelry, Deborah Singer explained, people are often surprised to learn that each piece begins as plastic pulled from the ocean, transformed through upcycling.—
Najahe Sherman,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Lack of in-home nurses; baby dies Much of Middlebrooks’ order, and the appeals court ruling that affirms it, concerns the in-home nursing care that parents of medically complex children rely upon.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
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The great Sandra Hüller stars as a woman whose husband dies from a fall at their home.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Grapevine surges from behind, falls short Lake Creek provided most of the pressure early in the match, keeping the ball in Grapevine’s end and getting off six shots before the Mustangs started pressing in the 26th minute.—
Charles Baggarly & Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, once an aristocratic mansion, falls somewhere between the avant-garde works at the Reina Sofia and the traditional Spanish art at the Prado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But the Passover Seder also commences the 50-day historical journey to Mount Sinai, the metaphorical site where the Jewish people received the Torah, the laws and traditions that gave shape to their journey, their culture and societal structure.—
Michael Pfleger,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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All changes take effect June 18 except for Cartagena, which commences June 11.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Boston will face either the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic in a best-of-seven series that starts Sunday afternoon at TD Garden.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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The Vatican says fighting corruption in the mineral-rich country and insisting on the correct uses of political authority are expected to be themes of Leo’s visit, which starts Wednesday with his arrival in Yaounde, the capital.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Most Social Security payments fund retirement and related benefits, providing monthly income to eligible workers and certain family members, as well as survivor benefits for families after a worker passes away.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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After Nora and Agnes’ mother passes away, Gustav returns to Oslo (and the gorgeous family house that has played home to some of their biggest tragedies) and tries to reestablish himself in his family’s lives.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Every soldier Harry would have saved on a transport during the war perishes too.—
Margaret Heidenry,
Vanity Fair,
24 Dec. 2025
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Factory ships deplete fisheries in a matter of years and an inordinate amount of sea life also perishes in their nets.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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No investment, then mercenary mode kicks in for many pros.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, high-deductible insurance plans have become more common, requiring patients to pay thousands of dollars before coverage fully kicks in.—
Deidre Popovich,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicks off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicks%20off. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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