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

Milwaukee’s hottest hitter William Contreras led off the inning with his second hit of the game - a single into left field - which led Tampa Bay to make another pitching change, this time handing the ball to Garrett Cleavinger. — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 Caminero led off Tampa Bay’s second with single off opener Shawn Armstrong, who took the loss in his second start in three games. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff

Adjective

Rodney Rice had 15 points and nine assists in his first game since a season-ending shoulder injury last year, and KJ Lewis added 10 points.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
The first is solid-state chlorination, which is being developed by project partner TU Bergakademie Freiberg.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of first

Verb

Flights that already were in the air when the ground stop began were allowed to continue to their destinations, while all other domestic flights were held on the ground.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2026
Luggage began piling up at the Southwest Airlines baggage services office as passengers with layovers at the airport appeared increasingly grim.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2026

Definition of begin

Adjective

Researchers say the technology could provide critical initial treatment when conventional rescue teams cannot safely reach casualties.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Imagineering is limiting the initial experimental sandbox test to Disneyland Magic Keyholders before expanding access to the app to the general public in early 2027.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of initial

Adjective

For the inaugural collection, Mosgrave is debuting a new product that’s an extension of one of the shop’s core staples, Mama Teav’s Hot Chili Crisp.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
The inaugural international flight between Copenhagen and Ilulissat, Greenland, on Thursday was part of the island government’s efforts to grow its tourism industry to boost and diversify an economy still reliant on fishing.

— James Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of inaugural

Verb

So the players, coaches and support personnel deplaned and the team’s bus driver — who had already started the return trip to Lawrence — turned around and came back to Topeka.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2026
The details matter, so don't assume that every trip starting at home qualifies.

— Marc Guberti, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2026

Definition of start

Adjective

Historic ocean liner completes its final voyage Launched in 1952, the SS United States made history during its maiden voyage by setting a transatlantic speed record.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
The battle for the heart of the new state is reflected in its two maiden senators.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 10 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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