as in begins
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 leads off
As usual, the list of evils leads off with a medical procedure that is never directly condemned in the Bible — and is arguably even sanctioned in Jewish texts when a pregnancy threatens a woman’s health.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Ohtani, who typically leads off, was working out on the Dodger Stadium field ahead of Tucker’s introductory news conference.
—Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Every Wednesday, Reid leads off the weekly news conference.
—Sam McDowell 18, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025
Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox leads off second base during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees on September 14, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Jarren Duran, who typically leads off and who hasn’t batted lower than sixth in the order all season, will bat eighth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Ohtani, who typically leads off, was working out on the Dodger Stadium field ahead of Tucker’s introductory news conference.
—Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Every Wednesday, Reid leads off the weekly news conference.
—Sam McDowell 18, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025
Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox leads off second base during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees on September 14, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Jarren Duran, who typically leads off and who hasn’t batted lower than sixth in the order all season, will bat eighth.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads off
Verb
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Training at Kempo Goju dojos typically begins around age 5, but all ages are accepted.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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Fat Tuesday is a day of feasting on rich foods before the fasting period of Lent begins.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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An outspoken state senator is scheduled to make remarks Sunday at the International Servant Leaders Museum in Morton Grove, coming as Black History Month commences.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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Dinner commences in a cool and calm underground lounge before moving upstairs to another intimate locale.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Their segment starts at one true but basic idea — teenagers today are too reliant on cell phones — and never goes past it.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
10 Feb. 2026
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Known as the Raffles x Christofle Bespoke Dining Experience, this private evening starts with a stay for two in the hotel’s 2,200-square-foot Presidential Suite and showcases a meal curated by Raffles culinary director Jim Reuteman.—
Laurie Brookins,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The mansion features a limestone-and-concrete facade that opens to reveal plaster walls and ceilings, custom raw-steel railings, and European wide-plank white oak floors throughout.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
7 Feb. 2026
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The entry opens to a dramatic foyer with a sweeping staircase with curving iron balusters.—
Lynn Slaney Silguero,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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