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
Kuemper was soon led off the ice, having made five saves.
—
CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025
The man was then led off as onlookers watched in disbelief.
—Emma Bussey , Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
During a conference call with Wall Street analysts to discuss the quarterly numbers, Ergen led off with bullish comments about the SpaceX position.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
George Springer led off with a single and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Nathan Lukes.
—Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 2 Nov. 2025
Nathan Lukes led off Game 4 and played left field in Springer's place on Tuesday, a game the Blue Jays won 6-2.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Daulton Varsho led off with a single and Ernie Clement doubled, and Dave Roberts made the call for Banda.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Chourio, who led off the Brewers’ Game 2 loss with a home run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto, was replaced during his at-bat by pinch hitter Blake Perkins in the seventh inning.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for led off
Verb
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The protest comes amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where demonstrations that began over economic grievances have spread nationwide, evolving into a direct challenge to Iran's clerical leadership.—
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Using products by celeb-favorite skin care brand iS Clinical, Flores began by cleansing Williams' skin with the lightweight Cleansing Complex before spraying his skin with a Copper Firming Mist.—
Verb
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Officials then searched the children’s home and commenced an air and ground search.—
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In 2012, whiskey production commenced at the distillery, with bottles hitting the market a few years later.—
Verb
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The year started with a four-day streak of 70-degree highs; however, Oklahoma will soon see temperatures dip a bit into the mid-50s and 60s at the start of next week, with some parts of the state expecting snow.—
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Sean Kuraly had a goal and an assist, Tanner Jeannot had two assists, and the Boston Bruins started a five-game homestand with a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.—
Verb
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Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who orchestrated the Doncic trade, was fired after the team got off to a slow start this season.—
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General manager Nico Harrison, the orchestrator of the deal, was fired in November after Dallas got off to a slow start.—
Verb
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Pruneyard Cinemas opened to a lot of fanfare in 2018, but its owners have been running uphill — and losing ground — since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.—
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The business initially opened as a supply store, then added a taproom and eventually a restaurant.—
Cite this Entry
“Led off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/led%20off. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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