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
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
Romy Gonzalez is leading off, and Cora has usual leadoff man Roman Anthony, the hero Thursday night, batting third.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
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
Romy Gonzalez is leading off, and Cora has usual leadoff man Roman Anthony, the hero Thursday night, batting third.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
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The Fed has indeed been too late in beginning to relax monetary policy, and the bank would have known it much earlier with better BLS leadership.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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That means beginning with real underwriting and analysis, not guesswork.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
12 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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At one point, a running number tied to Boys and Girls Clubs of America flashed on the screen, starting at $100,000.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Score the bedding on sale in sizes ranging from twin to California king while it’s restocked, or opt for the set without a flat sheet starting at $70.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Defense has 1 full-time starter returning Linebacker Dariel Djabome is the lone full-time starter returning on a unit that had a difficult time getting off the field on third down.—
Everett Merrill,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
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The Mercedes, which had a temporary tag, was last seen getting off the highway on exit 8A onto Northwest 95th Street, according to the FHP.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Alongside this accountability gap, mercenaries are also opening major operational gaps.—
Alia Brahimi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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Carolina lost its season-opening contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a way that made the Panthers look unrecognizable from the one that ended 2024 on a tear.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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