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
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
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
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
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
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The trade will not become official until the new league year begins on Wednesday.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Add all that to ideal daytime temps in the mid-70s, and a low chance of showers before the rainy season begins around June, and your last-minute CDMX trip practically plans itself.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If the sales go through and drilling eventually commences, large portions of the trail could, in theory, become unusable, forcing a reroute to keep it viable as a recreation setting.—
Alex Heard,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
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The strike will last until the union and the school district come to an agreement, which could mean hours or several days after the picket commences Thursday morning.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
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But now starts a new terrible chapter without my smarter, goofier, and relentlessly selfless other half.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With Mack secured, the Chargers’ priority shifts to re-signing breakout defensive star Odafe Oweh before free agency opens Wednesday.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Get Morning Squawk directly to your inbox The Morning Squawk newsletter by Alex Harring is your rundown of five things to know before the stock market opens.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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