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
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
Verlander’s scoreless streak ended at 18 innings when Michael Conforto hit a home run leading off the seventh inning, but Melvin stuck with him following Rortvedt’s two-out double.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 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
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
Verlander’s scoreless streak ended at 18 innings when Michael Conforto hit a home run leading off the seventh inning, but Melvin stuck with him following Rortvedt’s two-out double.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 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
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By this time, Elio is beginning to confront the reality of Oliver’s eventual departure (and thus, his first experience of true heartbreak).—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
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In addition to the Final 3 reminiscing on the season before beginning Part 1 of the HOH competition, fans will get another glimpse inside the jury house following the evictions of Kelley Jorgensen, Lauren Domingue and Keanu Soto.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The rebate checks were issued for three consecutive years, commencing in 1999.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Subsequently, Liddell highlights the importance of entrepreneurs commencing their journey with clear goals in place.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In 2020, during COVID-19 shutdowns, English didn’t have the schedule conflicts that once hindered him from starting his own coffee business.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
28 Sep. 2025
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Bloomberg previously reported that each season of the show will be based on a single book, starting with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Simpsons are getting off the couch and heading back to theaters in 2027.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Sep. 2025
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Upon getting off an elevator, Crawford burst into tears as everyone ran to greet her.—
Michael Nied,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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To regain its cool factor, Ervér has invested extensively in branding efforts, from hosting music events featuring Anitta, Charli XCX, Lola Young and Tyla to opening London Fashion Week with a splashy runway show.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
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What feels significant today is that artists and designers are reclaiming these codes, challenging traditional ideas of girlhood and opening them up to more inclusive expressions of age and identity.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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