as in starts
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kickoffs
Still, the overall injury rate is lower than previous kickoffs, when the coverage team had a running start compared to the standing start of the new rule.
—
ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Concussions There were 35 concussions on kickoffs in 2025 compared to eight in 2024 mainly because moving the touchback to the 35-yard line resulted in 1,157 more returns.
—Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
For a prospect with such gaudy rushing statistics, Walton appears capable of doing a little bit of everything, including returning kickoffs.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
One particularly promising application involves tracking when the ball crosses the sideline during kickoffs and punts.
—Jason Corso, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Souza shared data suggesting the previous format for kickoffs carried a concussion rate four times that of a regular pass or run play from scrimmage.
—Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Feb. 2026
There were also exhibits that had guests run game plays, do kickoffs at football field lengths and test their throwing skills.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
updated February 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Though a few other teams had their punter handle kickoffs — a tactic that didn’t work out very well for the Rams — the 31-year-old Myers hit all scoring kicks and kickoffs without wearing down across 19 games.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Volunteering For One High-Visibility Initiative When the year begins, many teams are planning major initiatives, strategic meetings or kickoffs for important projects.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Concussions There were 35 concussions on kickoffs in 2025 compared to eight in 2024 mainly because moving the touchback to the 35-yard line resulted in 1,157 more returns.
—Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
For a prospect with such gaudy rushing statistics, Walton appears capable of doing a little bit of everything, including returning kickoffs.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
One particularly promising application involves tracking when the ball crosses the sideline during kickoffs and punts.
—Jason Corso, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Souza shared data suggesting the previous format for kickoffs carried a concussion rate four times that of a regular pass or run play from scrimmage.
—Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Feb. 2026
There were also exhibits that had guests run game plays, do kickoffs at football field lengths and test their throwing skills.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
updated February 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Though a few other teams had their punter handle kickoffs — a tactic that didn’t work out very well for the Rams — the 31-year-old Myers hit all scoring kicks and kickoffs without wearing down across 19 games.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Volunteering For One High-Visibility Initiative When the year begins, many teams are planning major initiatives, strategic meetings or kickoffs for important projects.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kickoffs
Noun
-
But the competitive juices he’s known for remain flowing, as his 23XI Racing team sits atop the 2026 NASCAR Cup standings thanks to the four wins Tyler Reddick has already put through in seven starts.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2026
-
After 20 starts at a rookie and 17 last season, all but one of Jaquez’s appearances this season have come in reserve amid this bounce-back from a sophomore slump for the 2024 first-team All-Rookie selection.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By moving some commencements away from increasingly costly private sites, the financially ailing school district could have saved about half a million dollars a year.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Sporks have come a long way from their humble beginnings in Rhode Island, and as the traveler’s preferred eating utensil, they’re destined to go ever further.—
James Stout,
Outside,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Rose has to shed her former self, find her strength and realize there will be new beginnings.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The incident permanently changed how NASA evaluates weather for launches.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
After the engines start up and the booster ignites, umbilical separation, or the disconnecting of power cables and fuel lines, will take place — the last step before the rocket launches.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the past few years, Underwood has come to realize that a bunch of barking alphas may not, in fact, be the best way to build a successful pack.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
-
As a ballplayer, Kent was as irascible as Bonds; the two alphas reportedly brawled behind clubhouse doors, and famously clashed in the dugout during a 2002 game, when Bonds lunged for Kent’s throat and pushed him against the wall.—
Jeremy Collins,
The Atlantic,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
After a 26-year run that yielded four state championships at Pope High School, Rowland was tired of dragging the field and chalking the baselines.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The gym was so crowded that fans were three-deep on the baselines and children sat cross-legged in front of the bleachers.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kickoffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kickoffs. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
