1
as in to begin
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
I'll kick off the discussion on ethics with this question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to die
slang
to stop living
surprisingly, the recluse was worth a cool million when he kicked off
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in beginning
the point at which something begins
a political cycle in which an election marks not only the end of one campaign but also the kickoff for the next one
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kick off
Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Standing in the back patio of her Argentine restaurant watching as the FIFA World Cup officially kicked off Thursday afternoon, Isolina de la Vega was surrounded by family.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026
Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Before kickoffs at this World Cup, the television broadcast has shown who is on the VAR team for the match by cutting to a remote studio where three officials stand and sit awkwardly in front of their replay monitors.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Verb
In many ways, the most ambitious World Cup in history — which kicked off Thursday in Mexico City — has inspired more angst than anticipation, more fear than fervor.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Standing in the back patio of her Argentine restaurant watching as the FIFA World Cup officially kicked off Thursday afternoon, Isolina de la Vega was surrounded by family.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026
Noun
The train to the stadium were up and running hours before kickoff.
—Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Before kickoffs at this World Cup, the television broadcast has shown who is on the VAR team for the match by cutting to a remote studio where three officials stand and sit awkwardly in front of their replay monitors.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for kick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kick off
Verb
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Work is continuing to try to stabilize the Pacifica Municipal Pier, which began cracking at its base on June 4 and is now in danger of breaking off and falling into the water.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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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
Verb
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Kentucky State Police confirmed that Suresh's dog was also struck by a vehicle after escaping onto the interstate and died.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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Nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in the war, according to some Western intelligence reports, and hundreds of thousands more have left the country to avoid being drafted.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Noun
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Perhaps the most striking part of the visit was seeing the pope appearing the most relaxed and happy since the beginning of his papacy.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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After hearing these songs, the happier ones at the beginning of the album reveal bits of shadow that Rodrigo has built into them to presage what’s to come — to presage what always comes.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Fans started arriving early in the afternoon local time, ready to catch the Red, White and Blue in a World Cup match on home soil.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
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What a way for the Americans to get their World Cup journey started, dominating Paraguay 4-1 to secure the full three points in their opening game.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Two families in Annapolis are displaced after trees fell onto homes following Friday's thunderstorm, according to city officials.—
Kaicey Baylor,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
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Xcel Energy’s bills in Colorado continue to fall below the national average for electric rates, Isenberg added.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
13 June 2026
Noun
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So when she was called to the stage to be recognized at the commencement ceremony, her mind again went to her peers.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 June 2026
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The 2026 graduation season saw Sánchez Bezos and her husband celebrating Ella at the Crossroads School for Arts and Science's commencement ceremony in May.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
11 June 2026
Verb
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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.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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Season 2 of The Audacity is set to commence production this month in Vancouver, BC, and will debut in 2027.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Lucy passed away just a month before her second birthday from a brain hemorrhage — cancer-free.—
Siafa Lewis,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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My closest cousin recently passed away due to her age.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kick off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kick%20off. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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