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

Along the way, the Padres got a one-out double by Jake Cronenworth in the second inning, a one-out double by Ty France in the fourth, a double leading off the fifth by Freddy Fermin and another one-out double by France in the sixth. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 After Mesa led off the second with his home run, the Rays had two on and no outs, but Hunter Feduccia struck out, and Yandy Diaz (1-for-16 in the series) and Jonathan Aranda (1-for-12) both flied out. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff

Adjective

Monday’s victory for the Braves was just their second in the last 11 games against the Padres and the first of this season after being swept in San Diego in June.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Gen might have gotten away scot-free from the sheets incident in terms of optics — no one questions her involvement, even though her job description includes housekeeping — but karma hounds her during the first day of the charter.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 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

Verb

Torres – one of Barcelona’s key men up front – had been having an awful tournament, missing a plethora of chances throughout Spain’s campaign and being benched after starting against Cape Verde.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake until the tomatoes begin to burst and the gnocchi start to sizzle, about 15 minutes.

— Kate Williams, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of start

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

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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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