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
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
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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On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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Just last week, the Facchino Family began demolishing structures at its 13-acre property at 1655 Berryessa Road before construction commences on a new mixed-income neighborhood near the BART Station.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The home’s spa-like wellness wing, which includes a gym, sauna, contrast therapy, and massage room, was a major selling point for a guy whose day starts only after a cold plunge, weightlifting, and cardio.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Architectural Digest,
7 Nov. 2025
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The magnifying glass is on every team, who starts to fold now that the stakes are higher?—
Jordan Mendoza,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In 2023, a thirty-six-year-old version of myself opens the book again.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Bidding opens December 5 and runs through December 18 at the Pendry West Manhattan in New York City as part of Concierge Auctions’ End-of-Year Global Sale.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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