as in began
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 led off
The second didn’t go as well, as Mookie Betts led off with a homer to left-center field on a 3-2 pitch.
—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
25 June 2026
The Angels padded the advantage in the fifth inning when Jose Siri led off with a single, Zach Neto doubled and Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left.
—
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Eaton led off and led the lineup with a 3 for 4 performance, a walk, two runs and two RBI.
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Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
Los Angels padded the advantage in the fifth inning when Jose Siri led off with a single, Zach Neto doubled and Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
The Marlins then took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on an Xavier Edwards RBI single that brought home Owen Caissie, who led off the inning with a single, moved to second on a Leo Jimenez walk and then to third on a Brain Navaretto sacrifice bunt.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Neto led off the fifth with a towering triple to center field and scored on Trout’s homer a few feet above where Neto’s triple caromed.
—
Mark Gonzales,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
Shortstop Zach Neto led off the game with a solo homer.
—
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Royals’ offense provided some support Rookie catcher Carter Jensen led off the game with a home run.
—
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
25 June 2026
The Angels padded the advantage in the fifth inning when Jose Siri led off with a single, Zach Neto doubled and Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left.
—
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Eaton led off and led the lineup with a 3 for 4 performance, a walk, two runs and two RBI.
—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
Los Angels padded the advantage in the fifth inning when Jose Siri led off with a single, Zach Neto doubled and Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
The Marlins then took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on an Xavier Edwards RBI single that brought home Owen Caissie, who led off the inning with a single, moved to second on a Leo Jimenez walk and then to third on a Brain Navaretto sacrifice bunt.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Neto led off the fifth with a towering triple to center field and scored on Trout’s homer a few feet above where Neto’s triple caromed.
—
Mark Gonzales,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
Shortstop Zach Neto led off the game with a solo homer.
—
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Royals’ offense provided some support Rookie catcher Carter Jensen led off the game with a home run.
—
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for led off
Verb
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The annual Wawa Welcome America celebration began with performances by singer Paula Holloway and a choir of more than 100 singers from churches across the Philadelphia region.
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There’s a lot of racing history at the Big A, which began in 1894, before Queens was even part of New York City.
Verb
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Before the Oranje Fanwalk commenced Thursday, the Netherlands packed the Power & Light for food and some beverages.
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In preparation for the aircraft’s arrival next year, Qantas pilots have commenced training on Australia’s first A350 simulator in Sydney and with British Airways in the UK.
Verb
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Aldo Álvarez started Mercatoria, another online delivery service, in 2021 with three other Cuban partners.
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In 1968, the federal government stepped in and started selling flood insurance managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.
Verb
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Skubal got off to a rough start with three straight balls and Goldschmidt took advantage, hitting a 3-1 high fastball over the left-field wall.
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His effort to offer enrichment and catch-up work during intercessions got off to a slow start but has become a recurring instructional program.
Verb
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San Diego opened a 2-0 lead when Miguel Andújar scored on Xander Bogaerts' double in the fourth.
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It can be poured as an apéritif, opened with takeout or brought to the table alongside a simple piece of fish.
Cite this Entry
“Led off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/led%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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