as in began
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 led off
Reynolds' solo homer to center in the third went 426 feet to get the Pirates on the board, but after James Wood led off the bottom half with a triple, Tena hit a two-run shot — also to center — that went 434 feet.
—
ABC News,
3 July 2026
Nolan Arenado led off the eighth with a single, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on a single by Pavin Smith.
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Justice Delos Santos,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
The second didn’t go as well, as Mookie Betts led off with a homer to left-center field on a 3-2 pitch.
—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
25 June 2026
The Angels padded the advantage in the fifth inning when Jose Siri led off with a single, Zach Neto doubled and Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left.
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Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Eaton led off and led the lineup with a 3 for 4 performance, a walk, two runs and two RBI.
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Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
The Marlins then took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on an Xavier Edwards RBI single that brought home Owen Caissie, who led off the inning with a single, moved to second on a Leo Jimenez walk and then to third on a Brain Navaretto sacrifice bunt.
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Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Neto led off the fifth with a towering triple to center field and scored on Trout’s homer a few feet above where Neto’s triple caromed.
—
Mark Gonzales,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
Shortstop Zach Neto led off the game with a solo homer.
—
CBS News,
17 June 2026
ABC News,
3 July 2026
Nolan Arenado led off the eighth with a single, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on a single by Pavin Smith.
—
Justice Delos Santos,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
The second didn’t go as well, as Mookie Betts led off with a homer to left-center field on a 3-2 pitch.
—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
25 June 2026
The Angels padded the advantage in the fifth inning when Jose Siri led off with a single, Zach Neto doubled and Vaughn Grissom followed with a two-run single to left.
—
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Eaton led off and led the lineup with a 3 for 4 performance, a walk, two runs and two RBI.
—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
The Marlins then took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on an Xavier Edwards RBI single that brought home Owen Caissie, who led off the inning with a single, moved to second on a Leo Jimenez walk and then to third on a Brain Navaretto sacrifice bunt.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Neto led off the fifth with a towering triple to center field and scored on Trout’s homer a few feet above where Neto’s triple caromed.
—
Mark Gonzales,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
Shortstop Zach Neto led off the game with a solo homer.
—
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for led off
Verb
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The wedding festivities for Swift and Kelce began on Thursday, July 2, with guests seen arriving at MSG, the Knicks' home arena, for what is believed to be a rehearsal dinner.
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Shortly thereafter, people began sharing stories of allegedly being scammed by Miller in a fantasy football league and scouting service.
Verb
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On Thursday, the star and producer revealed that production has commenced on Fast Forever, which is set for a March 17, 2028 premiere, the 11th and final chapter in the $7 billion action franchise that launched with 2001’s The Fast and the Furious.
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Carlson, whose rights Anaheim traded to Carolina four days before the free agent signing period commenced, joins a defense corps that includes Victor Hedman, who is one year younger and has played five more career regular season games.
Verb
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Aldo Álvarez started Mercatoria, another online delivery service, in 2021 with three other Cuban partners.
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In 1968, the federal government stepped in and started selling flood insurance managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.
Verb
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Cape Verde, which got off just one shot in the first half, took the first three shots of the second half push its way back into the match and force extra time.
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Sooryavanshi missed his first two balls and got off the mark with a sketchy inside edge that pinged past his off stump.
Verb
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San Diego opened a 2-0 lead when Miguel Andújar scored on Xander Bogaerts' double in the fourth.
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It can be poured as an apéritif, opened with takeout or brought to the table alongside a simple piece of fish.
Cite this Entry
“Led off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/led%20off. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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