leading off

verb

present participle of lead off
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leading off Athletics starter Jacob Lopez hit Mayo with a pitch leading off the second then walked Leodys Taveras with one out. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Christian Koss was hit by a pitch leading off the fifth and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Nate Furman before Taylor Clarke replaced Arizona starter Jose Cabrera. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Jackson Holliday singled leading off the eighth and, with one out, Basallo hit his first career pinch homer, a shot to center. — Harvey Valentine, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 The Sox trailed 2-0 in the seventh when Vargas walked leading off the inning. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Smith said that with South Carolina leading off and many Southern states following on Super Tuesday soon after the early lineup concludes, progressives will have to take the time to listen and then tailor their messages. — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Along the way, the Padres got a one-out double by Jake Cronenworth in the second inning, a one-out double by Ty France in the fourth, a double leading off the fifth by Freddy Fermin and another one-out double by France in the sixth. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading off
  1. beginning
  2. commencing
  3. starting
  4. getting off
  5. opening
Verb
  • Search and rescue efforts are only just beginning, and these first hours are filled with uncertainty, but also with hope.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Grannell has made other threats this year, beginning five months ago, according to the account of an FBI special agent that is described in a criminal complaint.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginning
Verb
  • Amanda Pedersen Giske / NTB/AFP via Getty Images The Norway squad touched down to a traditional water cannon salute before commencing their homecoming parade in the capital.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 14 July 2026
  • Following Samsung's typical pattern, pre-orders for the new devices, including the Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the innovative Z Fold 8 Wide, are anticipated to open immediately on July 22, with sales likely commencing around Friday, August 7.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of commencing
Verb
  • From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Keep scrolling to shop comfy travel outfits worth packing, with standout staples starting at just $15.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of starting
Verb
  • Buechele was back-pedaling in the face of pressure before getting off a pass to Pettis, who was open along the left side of hte goal line.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • After Wheeler scored on third down, Buechele back-pedaled in the face of pressure before getting off a pass to Pettis, who was open along the left side of the goal line.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of getting off
Verb
  • The Club stock jumped more than 4% shortly after the opening bell.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, without the need for steering wheels or pedals, the physical shape of cars may change, opening the possibility for new forms for the cars of the future.
    — George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of opening

Browse Nearby Words

leading men
leading off
leading on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leading off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20off. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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