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

James Wood led off the bottom of the first with a home run, and Curtis Mead also homered for Washington. — CBS News, 12 July 2026 Lewis and Victor Caratini led off the bottom half with back-to-back doubles off Mitch Farris (0-1) and Alan Roden had an RBI single. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff

Adjective

The West Nile virus has been detected in Yuba County for the first time this year, according to a Monday news release from the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Some of the first reports indicated that Adebayo threw a punch at Herro’s head before the two were separated, but some league sources have indicated that initial portrayals of the fight were overblown.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of first

Verb

In addition to its ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, the Heat also would like to add another veteran shooter and another veteran big man but might begin the season with only 14 under contract.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026 and be completed by early 2027.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of begin

Adjective

The initial proof of principle by the Normal team served as an inspiration for Whitelam, who recently reported a simulation of a nonequilibrium thermodynamic computing circuit.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 July 2026
The initial broadcast sparked protests and complaints from viewers, advertisers, and conservative activists, leading some CBS affiliates to exclude the episode from their lineup of reruns the following summer.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

Definition of initial

Verb

Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthis to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the US strikes Iranian power infrastructure, which has commenced.

— Frank Ahrens, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
With a fury inside him, Garfield unleashes violence against them and commences the rebellion.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of commence

Adjective

For the Craft Roundtables’ inaugural year, IndieWire received nominations in the Outstanding Directing for a Daytime Studio Non-Fiction Series as well as the Outstanding Editing for a Daytime Studio Program.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 July 2026
Launched at the inaugural Costa Rica Media Market last year in partnership with Grupo Morbido, the open call lured 55 projects from across the region.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 July 2026

Definition of inaugural

Verb

Available cruises on Legend currently start at $773 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees, according to Royal Caribbean’s website.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
El Niño is expected to prolong an existing unrelated marine heat wave that would otherwise typically start fading between October and December, scientists say.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of start

Verb

In fact, many were tourists who stumbled on it after getting off the Amtrak, wanting to see the iconic train station.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
As Cashman mentioned, Lombard didn’t get off to the greatest start at Triple-A after the Yankees promoted him at the end of April.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026

Definition of get off

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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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