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
De La Cruz sliced an opposite-field hit to right field to score Matt McLain, who walked leading off the inning against Robert Garcia (0-1) and stole second base.
—
CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Tristan Peters singled leading off the ninth, but Trevor Megill retired the next three batters as the Sox fell to 0-3.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Neto added a solo shot leading off the ninth inning for his second extra base hit of the night.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Gleyber Torres walked leading off the seventh against loser Michael Lorenzen, and Jackson Chourio’s two-out single put runners at the corners.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
The Bulldogs struck in the fourth inning, leading off with two consecutive singles.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
With Baylor leading off and Collier anchoring, the moment felt fitting — one brother handing the torch to another.
—Ansley Gavlak, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover—a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability.
—Ted Alvarez, Outside, 15 Jan. 2026
Chris Cuomo will host a weekday morning show for SiriusXM, leading off the lineup on the POTUS Channel 124.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Tristan Peters singled leading off the ninth, but Trevor Megill retired the next three batters as the Sox fell to 0-3.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Neto added a solo shot leading off the ninth inning for his second extra base hit of the night.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Gleyber Torres walked leading off the seventh against loser Michael Lorenzen, and Jackson Chourio’s two-out single put runners at the corners.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
The Bulldogs struck in the fourth inning, leading off with two consecutive singles.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
With Baylor leading off and Collier anchoring, the moment felt fitting — one brother handing the torch to another.
—Ansley Gavlak, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover—a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability.
—Ted Alvarez, Outside, 15 Jan. 2026
Chris Cuomo will host a weekday morning show for SiriusXM, leading off the lineup on the POTUS Channel 124.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
Verb
-
This year is beginning to resemble the magical 2024 season for Korda, who won seven times en route to becoming Player of the Year.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The union and workers agreed to return to work after the company agreed to return for two days of face-to-face contract negotiations beginning April 9.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The accord further prohibited the developers from beginning construction on the new residences before commencing work on these improvements.—
Awilda Esteras,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Willie made it through the filming of the first episode, but as the second episode was commencing, word got to me that Willie had returned to Los Angeles and the end was near.—
Annabelle Gurwitch,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Even amid this buzz, however, the cracks are starting to show.—
Sam Goldner,
Pitchfork,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Insurance wildfire models are starting to play the role of the grading scale, and policies such as Zone Zero, the national building codes.—
Noah Haggerty,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The offices of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance had people of all ages on Wednesday night waiting for the end of the nightly Ramadan fast, from children sitting at tables doing math homework to cab drivers just getting off their shifts.—
Katherine Koretski,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Iowa led 32-25 at halftime despite Stirtz not getting off to a strong start.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The only way to pull out of an awful season-opening stretch is one at-bat, one pitch, one win at a time.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Founded by Jesús Brazón, the bakery famous for its croissants, sourdough and cachitos will be opening this week at the Harbour Club in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood.—
Connie Ogle
April 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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