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
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
Freddie Freeman homered leading off the bottom of the 18th inning, Shohei Ohtani went deep twice in another record-setting performance and the Dodgers outlasted the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-5, in Game 3 on Monday night to win a World Series classic.
—Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025
McMahon’s bat and glove on display McMahon’s first career postseason home run came in a huge spot, leading off the third inning to tie the score at 1.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
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.
—Outside Online, 3 Oct. 2025
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
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
Beth Harris, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
Freddie Freeman homered leading off the bottom of the 18th inning, Shohei Ohtani went deep twice in another record-setting performance and the Dodgers outlasted the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-5, in Game 3 on Monday night to win a World Series classic.
—Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025
McMahon’s bat and glove on display McMahon’s first career postseason home run came in a huge spot, leading off the third inning to tie the score at 1.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
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.
—Outside Online, 3 Oct. 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
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But while the plants are generating increasingly widespread enthusiasm, dark events are beginning to overshadow the news.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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Some Americans are beginning to see this month's SNAP food benefits restored.—
Jennifer Ludden,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Hands-down one of the most disgusting movies ever made (a compliment), the film finds the indefatigable slasher, who was decapitated at the end of Terrifier 2, reattaching his head and commencing his ritual slaughters.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
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The case is scheduled to be heard in London’s High Court, commencing on October 28.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even parents who don’t trail physically are finding new ways to insert themselves into the college experience—starting with dorm rooms, as The Atlantic has reported.—
Russell Shaw,
The Atlantic,
2 Nov. 2025
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With Rico Dowdle starting at running back for the first time since Week 6, Carolina’s offense was able to move the ball effectively on the ground, even with a makeshift offensive line missing multiple starters.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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More classes would also allow more opportunities for students to take remedial or make-up classes without getting off-track.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
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Ultimately, Walker shed the blocks of Ekeler and Scott and forced Daniels to his right, where Martin was getting off the Wylie block.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This is one of Nevada's most coveted travel experiences, and tickets sell out fast each year, with sales opening every August.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
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The brand first enters new markets launching sales online, investing one to two years in e-commerce and marketing before opening physical stores.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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