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

Worth Girvan and Gaspar were virtually tied on election night Tuesday, but on Thursday Worth Girvan began pulling ahead as more mail-in ballots were counted.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
The company announced that limited production is scheduled to begin in 2027.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of begin

Adjective

Hell Week is widely considered one of the most physically and mentally demanding portions of the initial training, which lasts roughly six months.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Court records show the church's initial investigation into the boys' report was inconclusive, and Hamilton later said in a debate he was not involved in the decision to allow the volunteer to return.

— Grace Hills, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of initial

Verb

Totality on Pico Trigaza will commence 51 minutes before sunset, with the sun just 8 degrees above the horizon.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026
Construction is expected to commence after the demolition of the low-rise medical office building on the site.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of commence

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

Lukas Dostal started for the Ducks, but was chased after giving up three goals on 11 shots in the first period.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Rooms start at the deluxe category, which are still plenty sizable with a big balcony, both a shower and a bathtub, and a small seating area.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of start

Adjective

Peacock’s maiden second-quarter profit was lifted by FIFA World Cup games, which contributed $440 million in incremental media revenues.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
After victories at Real Sociedad and at home against Sturm Graz, the English club faces its toughest challenge yet in its perfect maiden European campaign.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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