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
Deist leads off, followed by Battista and Tucker, with Devin Wheaton at cleanup.
—
Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
Vestal leads off with a single.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 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
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
Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
Vestal leads off with a single.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 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
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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On-site Hawaiian cultural programming helps visitors connect with the islands' history and culture, and the complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Experience that begins with a traditional sunrise chant is not to be missed.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
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Each aircraft launches autonomously, carries out reconnaissance and target acquisition tasks, then returns to the vehicle or installation for capture and recharging before the next sortie begins.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
Verb
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The Women’s Super League transfer window commences one day after the Premier League’s, on Tuesday, June 16.—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
13 June 2026
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For borrowers looking to purchase a home or refinance their current one in this climate, however, there are also some strategic moves worth considering now, before the Fed's June meeting even commences.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Guests also love the daily tradition that starts by the fireplace in the main lobby, processes to a ceremonial firing of a replica 19th-century cannon on the edge of Mobile Bay, and finishes with light bites back at the hotel.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
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Potassium uptake actually starts about 2 weeks before the first flowers are visible.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Season 3 opens with the Battle of the Gullet, the largest naval battle in the history of Westeros, and the moment that the Dance of Dragons kicks off in earnest.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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The student-run Yale Summer Cabaret opens its summer season dance/theater adaptation by TImothy Hartel of Euripides’ ever-popular tragedy about the god Dionysus descending to Earth and causing all kinds of trouble.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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