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

Toronto managed to score in the top of the ninth; Varsho led off with a single, advanced to third on Ernie Clement’s one-out ground-rule double, and touched home on Gimenez’s RBI single. — Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026 Shohei Ohtani doubled to lead off the game, and Peralta got the next two outs, but had to throw 11 pitches to Freddie Freeman, then walked Max Muncy. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff

Adjective

Now, with one-year mercenary players plus rapid roster turnover, the first game deters even the most addicted sports gambler.

— Mac Engel July 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
For Glenn Robinson, winning Best Content Creator marked his first victory after several nominations in local competitions.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

Definition of first

Verb

Researchers began this effort in 2025, taking cell samples from deceased golden wild yaks and transplanting clone embryos into surrogate mothers.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Two other big decisions – the faith in both Willis and Proctor – will begin to define the new era.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of begin

Adjective

Cantone said in an interview with the Herald that Guarino gave her an electro-stimulation device to use on the left side of her face in the days following the initial procedure.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
The latter was extended to meet demand back in 2000 after Sunderland’s home had been opened at an initial capacity of 42,000.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of initial

Verb

And so commenced a literally explosive weekend of celebrations across the five boroughs, which culminated in a ticker-tape parade on June 18 to City Hall.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026
Work commenced on the record three months after Drewchin welcomed the arrival of her first child, Nova, a period in which she was consumed with the reality and potentialities of being a new parent.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

Definition of commence

Adjective

Using only the ancient navigational methods of wayfinding, such as observing the stars and measuring wind patterns, the Hokulea sailed over 3,000 miles on its maiden voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti in 1976.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 July 2026
As the final seconds ticked down on Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over a valiant Argentina and the referee blew his whistle, one could be forgiven for their mind once again slipping to memories of La Roja’s maiden World Cup victory.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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