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
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 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
-
The Stars next hit the road up north for a back-to-back in Vancouver and Calgary on Monday and Tuesday before beginning a six-game homestand just hours after the NHL’s trade deadline next Friday.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The center’s president, Richard Grenell, said a new venue was currently being sought as the building undergoes renovations, beginning around Independence Day.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 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
-
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
-
The process would likely take about six months, starting with the inauguration of California’s next governor in early January 2027.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
On an after-market analyst call, Starz CEO Jeffrey Hirsch announced the company would no longer disclose subscriber numbers starting with its upcoming March 2026 quarter.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Time-wise, utilizing multiple fields can potentially be more efficient to getting off the field quickly.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Will adventure mean getting off our phones and going out into the world?—
Annabel Gat,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Trump has reversed Biden-era clean energy policies, slashing solar and wind funding, ending EV tax credits and opening the Pacific Coast to oil drilling.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Wargnier, who got the save in San Clemente’s season-opening win over Capistrano Valley Christian, allowed zero earned runs in four innings with just three hits allowed.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
