as in beginning
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 leading off
The Red Sox will load up with right-handed batters against the A’s southpaw, with Romy Gonzalez leading off, Alex Bregman batting second, Trevor Story third, Rob Refsnyder fourth, Carlos Narvaez fifth and Nate Eaton sixth.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Verlander’s scoreless streak ended at 18 innings when Michael Conforto hit a home run leading off the seventh inning, but Melvin stuck with him following Rortvedt’s two-out double.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.
—Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Augustin Ramirez walked leading off the Miami fourth and Liam Hicks hit into a force play.
—Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Monday’s home run leading off the second sparked a three-run inning.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
The lone run scored after Tolle allowed a double to Jacksonville's Matthew Etzel leading off the game.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Verlander’s scoreless streak ended at 18 innings when Michael Conforto hit a home run leading off the seventh inning, but Melvin stuck with him following Rortvedt’s two-out double.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Vinnie Pasquantino connected on his 29th home run of the season leading off the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 3-2.
—Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Augustin Ramirez walked leading off the Miami fourth and Liam Hicks hit into a force play.
—Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Monday’s home run leading off the second sparked a three-run inning.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
The lone run scored after Tolle allowed a double to Jacksonville's Matthew Etzel leading off the game.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
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For the second time in three years, Kershaw silenced San Francisco’s offense en route to beginning a Cy Young campaign.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
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Streetwear and high fashion were then only beginning to intersect, often to the greater benefit of the latter; many people in the industry believed that urban aesthetics were being appropriated by European fashion houses.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The rebate checks were issued for three consecutive years, commencing in 1999.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Subsequently, Liddell highlights the importance of entrepreneurs commencing their journey with clear goals in place.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At one point, a running number tied to Boys and Girls Clubs of America flashed on the screen, starting at $100,000.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Score the bedding on sale in sizes ranging from twin to California king while it’s restocked, or opt for the set without a flat sheet starting at $70.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Defense has 1 full-time starter returning Linebacker Dariel Djabome is the lone full-time starter returning on a unit that had a difficult time getting off the field on third down.—
Everett Merrill,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
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The Mercedes, which had a temporary tag, was last seen getting off the highway on exit 8A onto Northwest 95th Street, according to the FHP.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Transitioning from player to coach has been an eye-opening adjustment for Boone, who spent many nights calming down his brother Aaron whenever the Yankees experienced tough times.—
Candace Oehler,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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This was done progressively with the group opening a new HQ in the Saudi capital in 2022.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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