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
Jake Bauers singled leading off the sixth and went to third on Cooper Pratt’s ground-rule double before scoring on Frelick’s sacrifice fly. — Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Harris singled to lead off the game, got a running jump to steal second, advanced to third on a grounder, then scored when Glasnow bounced a breaking ball and LA catcher Will Smith couldn't find the ball in time to make a play. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 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 attack is also not the first time cyber incidents have disrupted food systems.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Its holding group Agache in 2024 acquired a majority stake in Paris FC, which subsequently vaulted back into France’s first division after almost half a century in the second tier.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of first
Verb
  • Years ago, Maximilian Schnell left his job and his life in Paris and began a nomadic lifestyle on his bicycle.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Tesla began taking $50,000 reservations—or $250,000 for one of 1,000 limited Founders Series cars—and targeted a 2020 launch.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of begin
Adjective
  • When no one responds to the initial greeting, the caller tries again.
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In the case of 3/1, 5/1 and 7/1 ARMs — three very common types — the initial term is three, five and seven years, respectively.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of initial
Verb
  • Holmes was convicted of fraud in 2018 and sentenced to just over 11 years in federal prison, commencing in May 2023.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The evening commenced with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as literary and fashion insiders arrived at the private members club.
    — Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of commence
Adjective
  • Following press and buyer appointments at The Plaza on Wednesday, the inaugural gowns will embark on a national trunk show tour that starts right across the street at Bergdorf Goodman.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Dreamed up by Emirati chef Maitha Warshaw, the spiced tea is intensely creamy and sweet, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised its flavor during the train’s inaugural voyage.
    — Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Verb
  • Some of the best philanthropy starts from a place of personal connection.
    — Melissa Stevens, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But a new federal political action committee gives him a way to start building beyond Pennsylvania.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of start
Adjective
  • The 210,000-dwt Mineral Europa is embarking on its maiden voyage to Australia.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Fate separated the couple when Evelyn boarded the RMS Titanic alone for its maiden voyage.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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