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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November 2010 – Construction begins on project to update the pool, prone to leaking, holding stagnant water and taking nearly 20 to 30 million gallons of city water a year to refill.
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Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
Verb
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As the offseason commences, the Sixers are comprised pretty much of their top four and spare parts.
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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.
Verb
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The conservative assault on child health starts with the anti-vaccine campaign and proceeds to cutbacks in nutrition assistance and narrowed access to healthcare.
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Porro starts at right back, with Marcos Llorente dropping to the bench.
Verb
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Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Steady effort opens a surprisingly easy door.
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November 22 – December 21 Steady effort opens a surprisingly easy door.
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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