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
McMahon’s bat and glove on display McMahon’s first career postseason home run came in a huge spot, leading off the third inning to tie the score at 1.
—
The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
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.
—Outside Online, 3 Oct. 2025
No assistance was needed for Devers to reach the water leading off the third inning against Sonny Gray.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025
The Red Sox will load up with right-handed batters against the A’s southpaw, with Romy Gonzalez leading off, Alex Bregman batting second, Trevor Story third, Rob Refsnyder fourth, Carlos Narvaez fifth and Nate Eaton sixth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.
—Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Augustin Ramirez walked leading off the Miami fourth and Liam Hicks hit into a force play.
—Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Monday’s home run leading off the second sparked a three-run inning.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
The lone run scored after Tolle allowed a double to Jacksonville's Matthew Etzel leading off the game.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
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.
—Outside Online, 3 Oct. 2025
No assistance was needed for Devers to reach the water leading off the third inning against Sonny Gray.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025
The Red Sox will load up with right-handed batters against the A’s southpaw, with Romy Gonzalez leading off, Alex Bregman batting second, Trevor Story third, Rob Refsnyder fourth, Carlos Narvaez fifth and Nate Eaton sixth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.
—Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Augustin Ramirez walked leading off the Miami fourth and Liam Hicks hit into a force play.
—Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Monday’s home run leading off the second sparked a three-run inning.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
The lone run scored after Tolle allowed a double to Jacksonville's Matthew Etzel leading off the game.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
-
These suburban residents hope that vigilance will prevent the process of neighbourhood change from beginning.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Holmes’ fight, however, was just beginning.—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The case is scheduled to be heard in London’s High Court, commencing on October 28.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The rebate checks were issued for three consecutive years, commencing in 1999.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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No question, there was a great deal to unpack after their 38-24 loss Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium, starting with a defense that gave up far too many big plays on the ground and through the air to satisfy anyone in a unit that’s suddenly under siege.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Season-long struggles; still fighting Charlotte has five games left on the schedule, starting with North Texas (6-1, 2-1 American) next Friday night on ESPN2.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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More classes would also allow more opportunities for students to take remedial or make-up classes without getting off-track.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
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Ultimately, Walker shed the blocks of Ekeler and Scott and forced Daniels to his right, where Martin was getting off the Wylie block.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Palo Alto Police Department reversed course after initially encrypting its channels — re-opening them to the public, after citing the ability to use other means to protect citizen’s private information mentioned in the 2020 directive.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
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Kay, Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month for October, opens up about her forthcoming new album, touring with Jelly Roll, opening The Coffee Girl and more.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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