leading off

verb

present participle of lead off
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

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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 Jackson Merrill blasted a ball to left-center field leading off, and, two outs later, Jake Cronenworth drove in two runs with a shot to right-center. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 The Sox didn’t collect a hit until a Miguel Vargas single leading off the fourth inning against Royals starter Michael Wacha, who allowed one run on six hits with seven strikeouts and one walk in 7 2/3 innings. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Misiorowski held the Cubs hitless before Seiya Suzuki homered leading off the fifth inning, and eventually exited after six innings with eight strikeouts, four walks, two hits and one earned run. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 27 June 2026 Mercurius began laboring in the third and left after Hull's second homer of the CWS and ninth of the season leading off the fifth. — ABC News, 21 June 2026 The Rockies' only hit through six innings was Tyler Freeman's infield single leading off the second inning. — CBS News, 21 June 2026 The only interruption was a walk to Rodolfo Durán leading off the third inning. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026 Then struck out again leading off the top of the fifth inning. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
  1. beginning
  2. commencing
  3. starting
  4. getting off
  5. opening
Verb
  • Now, more Americans are beginning to make the roughly three-hour car ride from Santo Domingo, trading the predictability of Punta Cana for something more real.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • This includes a big-screen feature that is beginning development and aiming for theatrical release in late 2028, timed to the franchise’s 70th anniversary.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Definition of beginning
Verb
  • Amanda Pedersen Giske / NTB/AFP via Getty Images The Norway squad touched down to a traditional water cannon salute before commencing their homecoming parade in the capital.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 14 July 2026
  • Following Samsung's typical pattern, pre-orders for the new devices, including the Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the innovative Z Fold 8 Wide, are anticipated to open immediately on July 22, with sales likely commencing around Friday, August 7.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of commencing
Verb
  • After word spread that a local attorney was starting a class action, residents said they were besieged by out-of-town lawyers competing aggressively for their business.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • Schjerlderup was the lone change Norway coach Stale Solbakken made in the starting lineup for Saturday’s match, starting the Benfica midfielder on the left flank in place of Antonio Nusa.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
Definition of starting
Verb
  • The project has had Hollywood interest for years and is now getting off the ground under filmmakers Colby Holt and Sam Probst, who will write and direct.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026
  • The primary win for Phoenix was getting off Royce O’Neale’s salary.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of getting off
Verb
  • Argentina and England didn’t record a shot in the opening 30 minutes, the first time both sides had been held shotless for so long to start a match since the first World Cup to be broadcast live in 1966.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 July 2026
  • The Digest The Cincinnati Art Museum is opening its first Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room, bringing one of the artist’s immersive installations to the institution for the first time.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of opening

Browse Nearby Words

leading men
leading off
leading on
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Cite this Entry

“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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