as in first
coming before all others in time or order
the leadoff batter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to begin
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of leadoff
Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Daniel Brook, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Eddie Madrigal, a pinch-hitter, led off with a shot to right field over Jayden Duplantier for an opening double and then catcher Taylor Belza walked.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Adjective
Those four all ranked among the top 40 in baseball in non-leadoff plate appearances with the bases empty last season.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
Aaron, a lanky public defender and former college football kicker, led off.
—Daniel Brook, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Eddie Madrigal, a pinch-hitter, led off with a shot to right field over Jayden Duplantier for an opening double and then catcher Taylor Belza walked.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
Adjective
-
Along with margins not in the speaker’s favor, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), who helped do much of the heavy lifting during the first reconciliation process, publicly expressed doubt that another reconciliation bill can be passed.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
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Still, comparing the first season of Hubert Davis to that of UNC head football coach Bill Belichick is like comparing the NFL rookie years of Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Transportation Security Administration Officers began receiving their paychecks, which were not funded during an ongoing partial government shutdown.—
Marvin Hurst,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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In assessing a life prison term for DeAujalae Evans, the jury selected the most severe penalty for intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer, the offense to which Evan pleaded guilty as the jury began to hear evidence in the case of the death of Sgt.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The initial rally happened on June 14, a week after the uptick in immigration enforcement operations in LA County.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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At the time of the initial gun battle, the MacEgans were on an afternoon walk through a nearby field.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The poll will run through Monday, March 30, and the next round of voting will commence on Wednesday, April 1.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
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The personal injury trial commenced in late January in LA Superior Court.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The inaugural Barbie Dream Fest, Friday through Sunday.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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As the Golden State Valkyries prepare for their first-ever playoff series, the expansion WNBA franchise has earned multiple Associated Press awards in its inaugural season.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Carolyn Hax started her Washington Post advice column in 1997, after five years on the Style desk and none as a therapist.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
3 Apr. 2026
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Fourteen months after Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs started contract discussions, the sides agreed to a six-year, $115 million extension through the 2032 season.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Firing Room 1 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida has witnessed the liftoff of several historic Apollo missions, including the one in 1969 that put humans on the moon for the first time, and the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Columbia.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
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Still, the synergy between the two will loom large as the Spurs approach the maiden postseason voyage of the Wembanyama era next month.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Antonio Express-News,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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If the rock star is a romantic individual who expresses some inner truth through original music, the idol is an omnicompetent interpreter of material.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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Though the original clip is authentic, showing seven dogs wandering down the side of a highway in northeastern Jilin province, Chinese state media has since debunked the narrative of their escape and journey home.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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