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
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.
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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.
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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.
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ABC News,
21 June 2026
The Rockies' only hit through six innings was Tyler Freeman's infield single leading off the second inning.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
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While veterans jockey for new contracts during free agency, young players are getting their tryout opportunities with NBA summer league games beginning this week.
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With the hot stretch just beginning, officials continue to emphasize one message for anyone spending time indoors or outside.
Verb
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Flexjet has become the official private aviation supplier for Formula 1 in a new multi-year agreement, commencing with the British Grand Prix.
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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.
Verb
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Now, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton present a stark choice to voters in the race to be the next governor at a moment when public support for the state’s generous safety net is starting to fray.
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In the last 20 minutes before kick, droves of fans have made their way into the stadium and the energy is starting to pick up.
Verb
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The primary win for Phoenix was getting off Royce O’Neale’s salary.
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Simply a live broadcast of the team getting off the bus at the stadium.
Verb
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The main level features a large great room framed by floor-to-ceiling glass and retractable doors opening directly to the terrace and lake.
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Months after opening a $267 million replacement next door, Miami-Dade has struggled to find a buyer for the one built nearly 100 years ago.
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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