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
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
Cedric Mullins had two of the five hits for Tampa Bay, which did not collect its first hit off Soriano until Mullins singled leading off the fourth.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 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
Schmitt’s homer, his third of the year, came two batters after Matt Chapman had doubled leading off the sixth.
—Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Then struck out again leading off the top of the fifth inning.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Murakami homered again on Saturday, this time leading off the seventh inning.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson homered for Baltimore in the third inning, his sixth of the season, and Jeremiah Jackson hit a solo shot off reliever Caleb Killian leading off the seventh.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
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
Cedric Mullins had two of the five hits for Tampa Bay, which did not collect its first hit off Soriano until Mullins singled leading off the fourth.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 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
Schmitt’s homer, his third of the year, came two batters after Matt Chapman had doubled leading off the sixth.
—Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Then struck out again leading off the top of the fifth inning.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Murakami homered again on Saturday, this time leading off the seventh inning.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson homered for Baltimore in the third inning, his sixth of the season, and Jeremiah Jackson hit a solo shot off reliever Caleb Killian leading off the seventh.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
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Rawlins says residents are beginning to understand just how important these mitigation efforts are.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
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Humphrey said his older son, Sean Humphrey, struggled with opioid addiction beginning in his early teenage years.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Work on the plan to remake Fifth Avenue is seen commencing in 2028 and will extend from Bryant Park to Central Park.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
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The genial ginger singer-songwriter returned to North America June 13 with a run commencing at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Though both teams are coming off wins, each tweaked its starting 11 from those openers, with Mexico changing three starters.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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Meanwhile, police cut off traffic going east on Olympic Boulevard starting at Ardmore Avenue.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Simply a live broadcast of the team getting off the bus at the stadium.—
Bryan Preston,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
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The weekend is getting off to a hot start in North Texas.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Los Angeles County expanded its emergency response by opening a 24-hour smoke respite shelter at City Terrace Park and directing agencies to continue health monitoring and environmental assessments.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
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England and Ghana remain scoreless after the opening 45 minutes.—
Monica Alba,
NBC news,
24 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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