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

Cubs designated hitter Michael Conforto homered to center to lead off the third, and Ian Happ hit a two-run single to push the lead to 3-0. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 Witt led off the third with a line-drive double off the wall in left field. — ABC News, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leadoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff

Adjective

Jarren Duran hit his 20th homer, a solo shot on the first pitch from Grayson Rodriguez (4-7), to spark a four-run second inning for Boston, which improved to an MLB-best 34-17 since the All-Star break.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
The first full weekend of college football closed Monday night (eventually), and there was plenty to learn, especially given this was our first glimpse at most 2027 NFL Draft prospects.

— Dane Brugler, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of first

Verb

The collaboration will begin with a joint feasibility study and could lead to future commercial deployments of the battery technology.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
At 34, frustrated by the lack of a decent salary and deteriorating living conditions, including declining healthcare and long lines for gasoline, De La Cruz began to think about leaving Cuba.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026

Definition of begin

Verb

Last year, La Liga inked a slightly improved broadcast rights package which will commence from the 2027-28 season — likely increasing the amount Barca have to fork over to the private equity firm.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
As pure coincidence would have it, that 2001 season that began wrapped in national tragedy would commence what remains an endless parade of Dolphins seasons ending in disappointment, with no playoff win.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of commence

Adjective

These feats would later move to circuses but, despite its proud history, strongman only became an official sport in 1977 with the inaugural World’s Strongest Man.

— Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Last June, the sisters helped the Conquer Chargers’ U17 team win the inaugural Roma Bowl in Italy after Sterling’s graduation.

— Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of inaugural

Verb

The Eagles — who let the Braves use their locker room for a fantasy football draft before this series — start playing in a week, and this city is still mad for the Phillies.

— Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Randal Grichuk started the eighth inning with a home run and Kyle Teel added a three-run blast later in the inning for the White Sox.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of start

Adjective

One day before the anniversary of his first (and, so far, only) F1 victory, Gasly secured a stunning maiden pole position at Monza.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Try maiden grass for something tall and upright that can also serve well as a privacy barrier.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 26 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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Style

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of leadoff

adjective

verb

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