as in beginning
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
plans to lead off the news conference with a prepared statement
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Recent Examples of leading off
Sasaki struck out Druw Jones leading off the second, then walked Aramis Garcia and was removed.
—
Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
The Bulldogs struck in the fourth inning, leading off with two consecutive singles.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
With Baylor leading off and Collier anchoring, the moment felt fitting — one brother handing the torch to another.
—Ansley Gavlak, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover—a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability.
—Ted Alvarez, Outside, 15 Jan. 2026
Chris Cuomo will host a weekday morning show for SiriusXM, leading off the lineup on the POTUS Channel 124.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
Mopar, Stellantis' parts and service division, is leading off its holiday gift ideas guide with something to help the Wrangler lover in your life show off a little holiday spirit in the form of the Jeep Wrangler Ugly Sweater trail armor.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
Mopar, Stellantis' parts and service division, is leading off its holiday gift ideas guide with something to help the Wrangler lover in your life show off a little holiday spirit in the form of the Jeep Wrangler Ugly Sweater trail armor.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Kiké Hernández singled leading off against Scherzer and scored on Ohtani’s double to left-center off reliever Mason Fluharty.
—Beth Harris, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
The Bulldogs struck in the fourth inning, leading off with two consecutive singles.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
With Baylor leading off and Collier anchoring, the moment felt fitting — one brother handing the torch to another.
—Ansley Gavlak, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover—a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability.
—Ted Alvarez, Outside, 15 Jan. 2026
Chris Cuomo will host a weekday morning show for SiriusXM, leading off the lineup on the POTUS Channel 124.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
Mopar, Stellantis' parts and service division, is leading off its holiday gift ideas guide with something to help the Wrangler lover in your life show off a little holiday spirit in the form of the Jeep Wrangler Ugly Sweater trail armor.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
Mopar, Stellantis' parts and service division, is leading off its holiday gift ideas guide with something to help the Wrangler lover in your life show off a little holiday spirit in the form of the Jeep Wrangler Ugly Sweater trail armor.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Kiké Hernández singled leading off against Scherzer and scored on Ohtani’s double to left-center off reliever Mason Fluharty.
—Beth Harris, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
-
With Mack under contract, re-signing Oweh becomes a clear priority for Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz ahead of the free-agent negotiation period beginning Monday.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Citizens are eligible for Social Security payments beginning at 62 years old.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Willie made it through the filming of the first episode, but as the second episode was commencing, word got to me that Willie had returned to Los Angeles and the end was near.—
Annabelle Gurwitch,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Feb. 2026
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According to China General Nuclear (CGN), on 21st February, the reactor pressure vessel for unit 6 began hoisting operations, officially commencing the installation of the unit’s main nuclear island equipment.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As Kansas coach Bill Self barked orders from the sideline inside T-Mobile Center, the tide was starting to turn.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Senior Republicans under pressure from conservative activists and GOP primary challengers are starting to take notice.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But just as his monologue was getting off the ground, Gosling was surprised by audience member sitting up front — a casually dressed and smiling Harry Styles.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Jalen Brunson is getting off the ball, OG Anunoby is in a scoring groove, and the Knicks, fresh off of a 39-point beatdown of Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, continue to look like title contenders in their toughest stretch of the regular season.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The hospitality industry should prioritize structuring and opening its data so AI can access it, Llewellyn said.—
Sydney Goh,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
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In fact, Maplewood is in the process of opening a public house in west suburban Glen Ellyn as its second location.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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