LEADOFF Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

leadoff 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of leadoff

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-

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

Caminero led off the Tampa Bay second with single off opener Shawn Armstrong, who took the loss in his second start in three games. — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026 The score was tied 4-all when Milwaukee's David Hamilton was hit by a pitch from Brock Stewart to lead off the sixth. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff

Adjective

That the first foreign policy message after the victory went to Moscow, and through a Russian state outlet, says a good deal about where the new government’s instincts lie.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
After a short teaser clip lit up the internet with news of their return, Dead Man’s Bones—the duo of Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields—are officially back with their first new music in 17 years.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of first

Verb

Joby Aviation has begun piloted electric air taxi flights across Florida, testing how the aircraft could operate between airports and other locations as the state works toward building a network for future aerial transportation.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
The Heat’s starters outscored the Pacers by 20 points in 13 minutes together, including an 18-4 run to begin the second half.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of begin

Adjective

Sguros was listed as the informant on West’s death certificate, the affidavit said, and several months after the initial death investigation, Sguros was legally authorized to release West’s remains to a cremation service business.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
The initial demonstration establishes a technical milestone, but further testing and evaluation will determine its broader utility.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of initial

Verb

When the groping soon commenced, the victim started recording with his phone.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Our reality is Swift’s nightmare of statistics and algorithms; mechanization and industrialization as commenced without any concern for the vagaries of the beating human heart.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of commence

Adjective

Its inaugural recipient is Japanese film critic and international cinema advocate Sahoko Hata, whose career helped introduce landmark European films to Japanese audiences.

— Gavin Blair, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
The Cocktail Party makes its inaugural appearance in Atlanta on Saturday.

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of inaugural

Verb

As temperatures start to drop, nightly firepits are the place to gather, stargaze, and make s’mores.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
When Luka Doncic started cooking in the first quarter, the Lakers followed his lead in opening a 25-point lead in the second quarter over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of start

Adjective

Peacock’s maiden second-quarter profit was lifted by FIFA World Cup games, which contributed $440 million in incremental media revenues.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
After victories at Real Sociedad and at home against Sturm Graz, the English club faces its toughest challenge yet in its perfect maiden European campaign.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 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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Style

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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