leadoff 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of leadoffnext
as in first
coming before all others in time or order the leadoff batter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lead off

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- How to pronounce lead off (audio)
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
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
Smith said that with South Carolina leading off and many Southern states following on Super Tuesday soon after the early lineup concludes, progressives will have to take the time to listen and then tailor their messages. — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Miami put its leadoff batter on base for the first time in the seventh when Otto Lopez led off with a single to left and stole second, but Burns struck out the next two batters and then got Javier Sanoja to ground out to end the inning. — August 14, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
  1. first
  2. begin
  3. initial
  4. commence
  5. inaugural
  6. start
  7. maiden
  8. set about
Adjective
  • The Valkyries took off in the second quarter after another slow start, ending the first half on an 11-0 run on the way to a 44-28 lead at the break.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • View this post on Instagram Charles Esten Charles Esten recalled his first time meeting Panettiere while auditioning for Nashville.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of first
Verb
  • That trial is scheduled to begin next month, but could be pushed back or canceled altogether depending on what the judge decides.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Episodes of the Premier League Years, the Sky Sports show that boils down each season into two hours and is arguably the UK’s greatest cultural achievement, often begin with a montage of that season’s new arrivals.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of begin
Adjective
  • This follows an initial €46 million bid also being turned down, despite Rodri agreeing to join the Catalans.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • An initial compensation of 1 million baht (about $30,166) has been approved for six of the deceased victims, the statement said.
    — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of initial
Verb
  • The project commenced with a simple analog instrument panel clock.
    — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • After a study to map its sprawling network of rooms commenced in 2022, a nuclear bunker in northern Italy will transform into a Cold War museum scheduled to open in part next year.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of commence
Adjective
  • Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize before the tournament began, a decision which triggered widespread ridicule across the world.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This was our first excursion on this sailing aboard Windstar’s Star Seeker—which after its inaugural season in the Caribbean was making its way to Alaska by way of Seattle.
    — Heather Greenwood Davis, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Verb
  • Tamekia Morris didn’t start her career thinking about welding torches or HVAC units.
    — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Hopes for an imminent US-Iran deal to end the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz added to optimism that oil and gas, along with other key products, would again start flowing freely after more than five months of war.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of start
Adjective
  • Another record falls as the world's largest all-electric airplane makes its maiden flight.
    — David Szondy August 13, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The battery-electric propulsion system delivered more than one megawatt of power during the maiden flight.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of maiden
Verb
  • Feeling like finding this 950-square-foot apartment was kismet, Miranda-Martin signed the lease and set about creating a sophisticated and color-saturated sanctuary.
    — Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • As the team set about their usual high-performance recovery routines, blending active recovery, massages and refueling, a group of USMNT players partook in a different form of relaxation altogether.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Definition of set about

Browse Nearby Words

leadmen
leadoff
lead off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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