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
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 leadoff
Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Portola led off the appeals requests made to the CIF-SS Council on Thursday at The Grand conference center.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
No assistance was needed for Devers to reach the water leading off the third inning against Sonny Gray.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025
Jackson Merrill led off the second with a single and moved to third on Gavin Sheets’ one-out single.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Verb
Griffin Conine and Troy Johnston singled off Mets starter Brandon Sproat to lead off the fifth for the Marlins.
—Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Portola led off the appeals requests made to the CIF-SS Council on Thursday at The Grand conference center.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
No assistance was needed for Devers to reach the water leading off the third inning against Sonny Gray.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025
Jackson Merrill led off the second with a single and moved to third on Gavin Sheets’ one-out single.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
Adjective
-
Immediately after the cease-fire takes effect, Israel will let 400 aid trucks enter Gaza everyday for the first five days, and gradually increase that number, a senior Palestinian official told the BBC.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The program gives team members the chance to experience different roles, properties, and cultures first-hand, building skills and strengthening connections across the region, and—in the process—strengthening the company’s cross-cultural bonds.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That’s where the adjustments will begin for the Mercury as the series flips back to Phoenix for Wednesday’s Game 3.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
If a permit is granted, Conway estimated construction on the plant could begin in the early 2030s, and the plant could come online in 2038 or 2039.—
Miranda Dunlap,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Arsenal’s flanks were regularly targeted despite Jeglertz admitting the initial game plan was to sear through Arsenal’s middle.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Standing in for the franchise’s original hometown of Fernfield is Fort Langley, British Columbia, where production recently commenced.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Oct. 2025
-
After 2029 the moon will pass south of the Pleiades until the next series commences in 2042.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Tyler Reddick came in sixth after collecting a stage win in AJ Allmendinger’s win two years ago, and inaugural pole-sitter Kurt Busch earned a fifth-place finish in 2018.—
Shane Connuck
October 4,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Future Ruins, the inaugural film-music festival run by Oscar-winning duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, has been canceled.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Oct. 2025
-
During his own speech, Sean asked Leaper to name KU’s backfield that started the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Its maiden flight and recent test successes signal solid engineering.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The show is one of several new offerings on Brilliant Lady, which sailed its maiden voyage in early September, and USA TODAY was among the first to see the show.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The original Champagnes weren’t bottled with the intent of undergoing secondary fermentation that would cause its trademark bubbles to form.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The state amended its original complaint in federal district court and filed a second temporary restraining order to pause the president’s actions, Rayfield said.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share