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
Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 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
Kiner-Falefa had followed orders and taken a short lead off third base, and a conservative secondary lead, too.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Verb
Morehead, 23 years old at the time, walked Indians slugger Rocky Colvaito to lead off the second inning, then retired the next 24 batters in a row to end the game.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 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
Kiner-Falefa had followed orders and taken a short lead off third base, and a conservative secondary lead, too.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
Adjective
-
His first action of the night came after about three minutes into the game, not long after going over to the exercise bike parked just outside the tunnel leading to their locker room, jumping on it while being advised by a member of the Hornets’ performance staff.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
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Pratt launched his mayoral run on the first anniversary of the Los Angeles fires, which destroyed his and his wife Heidi Montag’s home.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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Numerous reports and videos of thundersnow in downtown Chicago began to roll in after midnight local time.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
During their initial investigation, police found that two men approached the home's front door.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Noting that a federal grant funded the initial deployment of ShotSpotter, Lucas said, too often there are technologies that end up being funded by local taxpayers in perpetuity.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The bombardment of political ads will commence this week.—
Paul Miller,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
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Officials then searched the children’s home and commenced an air and ground search.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Golden Globes' first-ever Best Podcast winner has been revealed, with comedian and Good Hang host Amy Poehler triumphing with the category's inaugural victory over ex-husband Will Arnett's SmartLess podcast.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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Amy Poehler has taken home the inaugural Golden Globe award for Best Podcast.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Amazon quietly discounted dozens of top picks from Stewart’s collection, including Dutch ovens, knife sets, oven mitts, and more, with prices starting at just $8 and discounts going for up to 60 percent off.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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The second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t the Saints’ guy to start the season.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The role would typically involve smashing a bottle of champagne against the bow before sending the vessel out on its maiden voyage.—
Mackenzie Schmidt,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
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The current target for the maiden season is 2029.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, bringing out the late Chris Cornell’s eldest daughter, Lily Cornell Silver, to speak about her father and introduce a performance by his former Soundgarden bandmates, including original member Hiro Yamamoto, with Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlisle singing vocals.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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