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

The foursome began a two-year, multi-million-dollar journey that preserved the building’s original craftsmanship while modernizing the design, plumbing, and electrical.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Crews from multiple local and state agencies began an extensive search, and his body was recovered early Monday, family members confirmed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

Just before the trial was set to commence in May, Lively dropped her lawsuit and settled with Baldoni and Wayfarer.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 July 2026
Jockeying has already commenced in the state for the person who might take up the mantle of Senate Democratic nominee, including among those who didn't secure the gubernatorial nomination.

— Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 8 July 2026

Definition of commence

Adjective

Aptly christened Pioneer One, the inaugural PY60 is centered on efficiency, autonomy, and simplicity.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
The inaugural series encompasses five super-premium bottles—sold individually—and includes the oldest-ever single malt released under a Diageo house brand.

— David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 7 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

Adjective

The post also confirmed that China plans to reuse the maiden flight’s booster in another flight later this year.

— Lee Billings, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
The nation has recovered a rocket during an orbital launch for the first time ever, pulling off the feat during the Long March 10B's maiden liftoff on Friday (July 10).

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of maiden

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 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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