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
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
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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Water From The Top First, water the plant over the top of the soil enough that water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
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Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Here, for now, are three pressing questions as the offseason commences.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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After 2029 the moon will pass south of the Pleiades until the next series commences in 2042.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Add in Daniels’ injuries, and the Commanders are likely on the outside looking in when the postseason starts.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Los Angeles' bullpen is the team's biggest weakness, and Snell is helping to cover it up by giving the Dodgers longer starts.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As the movie opens, their four children and a couple of dozen friends join them for a 25th wedding anniversary party in the backyard.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
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This opens exciting avenues for understanding virus emergence, assessing pandemic potential, and identifying new drug targets to combat viral infections.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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