leadoff 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of leadoffnext
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- How to pronounce lead off (audio)
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
Tyler Locklear led off with a double and Ryan Waldschmidt squared around to bunt him to third. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026 Conine went deep again with a shot over the wall in right against position player Tyler Heineman to lead off the eighth. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
  1. first
  2. begin
  3. initial
  4. commence
  5. inaugural
  6. start
  7. maiden
  8. set about
Adjective
  • Also, after the first round, each mini-game has a separate metagame, where one or more players have a secret goal to meet without getting caught.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The sentences at the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus are the first against Assad or members of his inner circle since the Assad family’s five decades in power came to an end 20 months ago.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of first
Verb
  • That trial is scheduled to begin next month, but could be pushed back or canceled altogether depending on what the judge decides.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Episodes of the Premier League Years, the Sky Sports show that boils down each season into two hours and is arguably the UK’s greatest cultural achievement, often begin with a montage of that season’s new arrivals.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of begin
Adjective
  • This follows an initial €46 million bid also being turned down, despite Rodri agreeing to join the Catalans.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • An initial compensation of 1 million baht (about $30,166) has been approved for six of the deceased victims, the statement said.
    — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of initial
Verb
  • The project commenced with a simple analog instrument panel clock.
    — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • After a study to map its sprawling network of rooms commenced in 2022, a nuclear bunker in northern Italy will transform into a Cold War museum scheduled to open in part next year.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of commence
Adjective
  • Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize before the tournament began, a decision which triggered widespread ridicule across the world.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This was our first excursion on this sailing aboard Windstar’s Star Seeker—which after its inaugural season in the Caribbean was making its way to Alaska by way of Seattle.
    — Heather Greenwood Davis, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Verb
  • Willy Adames and Rafael Devers singled to start the fourth against Melton, putting runners at the corners.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • However, consuming large amounts—such as those used in studies where up to 1/2 cup was consumed daily—can start to weaken and damage tooth enamel.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of start
Adjective
  • Another record falls as the world's largest all-electric airplane makes its maiden flight.
    — David Szondy August 13, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The battery-electric propulsion system delivered more than one megawatt of power during the maiden flight.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 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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Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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