as in begins
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 leads off
Ohtani, who typically leads off, was working out on the Dodger Stadium field ahead of Tucker’s introductory news conference.
—
Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Every Wednesday, Reid leads off the weekly news conference.
—Sam McDowell 18, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025
Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox leads off second base during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees on September 14, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Jarren Duran, who typically leads off and who hasn’t batted lower than sixth in the order all season, will bat eighth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Every Wednesday, Reid leads off the weekly news conference.
—Sam McDowell 18, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025
Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox leads off second base during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees on September 14, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Jarren Duran, who typically leads off and who hasn’t batted lower than sixth in the order all season, will bat eighth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads off
Verb
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Volunteering For One High-Visibility Initiative When the year begins, many teams are planning major initiatives, strategic meetings or kickoffs for important projects.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The Sweetheart Festival begins in the Foundry Plaza.—
Mindy Sink,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dinner commences in a cool and calm underground lounge before moving upstairs to another intimate locale.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The first leg of the annual championship commences this Saturday, January 3, and wraps up on Saturday, January 17.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The warning is based on preliminary budget projections for the 2027 fiscal year, which starts July 1, and beyond that show expenses rising faster than revenues.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
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In Focus Features’ true-story tale Song Sung Blue, Hudson plays Claire Stengl, who starts a Neil Diamond tribute band with her fellow of down-on-their-luck Milwaukee musician Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman).—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His original sketches and the finished product—which opens and closes like a vintage sliding travel clock—are remarkably similar.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 2026
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The Survivor Café officially opens tomorrow, and reservations are available online.—
Tania Francois,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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