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
Lessentine leads off the inning hitting two Bruins in a row, but the Aggies defense retires three straight.
—
Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026
After pitchers, catchers and several position players completed their physicals Wednesday, no storyline from the opening day of camp carried more weight than the one that leads off our first takeaways report from Yankees spring training.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
As usual, the list of evils leads off with a medical procedure that is never directly condemned in the Bible — and is arguably even sanctioned in Jewish texts when a pregnancy threatens a woman’s health.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
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
Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026
After pitchers, catchers and several position players completed their physicals Wednesday, no storyline from the opening day of camp carried more weight than the one that leads off our first takeaways report from Yankees spring training.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
As usual, the list of evils leads off with a medical procedure that is never directly condemned in the Bible — and is arguably even sanctioned in Jewish texts when a pregnancy threatens a woman’s health.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads off
Verb
-
Free agency begins March 11 and the NFL draft will be conducted April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
24 Feb. 2026
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Reiner was once again not granted bail in today’s hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes, in what is certain to be a long process even before a trial begins.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The planetary moonwalk commences on the 26th, twelve days after Valentine’s Day, and is plotting and sussing out the story, so beware of mishaps, missteps, unforeseen issues, travel delays, the resurrection of exes, and awkward moments.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
12 Feb. 2026
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This season, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) commences at a dire moment for US multi-brand retail.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Measles is a highly infectious but preventable disease with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, which are followed by a rash that starts several days later on the face and spreads.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
-
What’s going to happen when construction starts.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your 7th House of Partnership opens as the delicate Moon arrives, urging honest exchanges that respect privacy while naming what matters in a contract or friendship.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The exhibit opens with Edwards’ own journey.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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