kicking off

verb

present participle of kick off
1
as in beginning
to take the first step in (a process or course of action) I'll kick off the discussion on ethics with this question

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dying
slang to stop living surprisingly, the recluse was worth a cool million when he kicked off

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 kicking off The author’s thrillers will be available in the United States and Canada for the first time in an eight-book deal through Hanover Square Press, kicking off with Conviction in 2027. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 The start of the 2026-27 Premier League season is one week away, with the first game, Arsenal vs Coventry City, kicking off next Friday. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 The San Francisco 49ers begin their quest for a sixth Super Bowl title on Thursday, kicking off the 2026 preseason with a matchup against the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 That means kicking off with the sacred mountain where shamans perform mudang rituals, the spiritual tradition at the heart of the storyline, and then using that inspiration to step into the soundproof studio to put your vocal chops to the test. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 The new school year is closing in fast, which means the race to check off all of those academic necessities is kicking off now. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026 On Sunday night, Hermès celebrated Into the Horsecape, its latest high jewelry collection (called haute bijouterie at Hermès), designed by Pierre Hardy, with a lavish dinner at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, kicking off the week. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026 France and Morocco are kicking off World Cup quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium — known as Boston Stadium during the 2026 tournament — on Thursday, July 9. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026 Stop taking it, and the mimicry stops too, kicking off a fairly predictable chain of changes over the days and weeks that follow. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking off
  1. beginning
  2. dying
  3. commencing
  4. falling
  5. starting
  6. checking out
  7. getting off
  8. passing away
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
  • Cantu’s wife, who heard her husband, then exits the home and comes to the horrid realization that her husband is dead or dying on the front yard.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, between 2023 and 2025, 84% of the world’s corals suffered the expelling of microscopic algae in response to heat stress, which often leads to dying.
    — Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of dying
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
  • In its place is a head of dark, longer hair parted down the middle, with loose curtain bangs falling across his forehead and framing his face.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Oil prices have extended recent losses in response to the statement, with international benchmark Brent crude falling below the $90 per barrel mark overnight.
    — Mike Sheen,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of falling
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
  • San Luis Obispo is an ideal stop for checking out the Central Coast, and Klamath Falls, Oregon, is the gateway to Crater Lake.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Don’t leave the neighborhood without checking out Black & Gold, which offers a one-two design punch.
    — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of checking out
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
  • Her sister had been through cervical cancer and two bouts of breast cancer before passing away from the disease.
    — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026
  • As well as the uncertainty of being in the final year of his contract, the France international also had to deal with the personal anguish of his father Hamady passing away in January.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Definition of passing away

Browse Nearby Words

kicking in
kicking off
kicking out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kicking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking%20off. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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