LEADS OFF Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

leads off

verb

present tense third-person singular of lead off

as in begins

to take the first step in (a process or course of action) plans to lead off the news conference with a prepared statement

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Recent Examples of leads off Deist leads off, followed by Battista and Tucker, with Devin Wheaton at cleanup. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026 Vestal leads off with a single. — Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026 After pitchers, catchers and several position players completed their physicals Wednesday, no storyline from the opening day of camp carried more weight than the one that leads off our first takeaways report from Yankees spring training. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 As usual, the list of evils leads off with a medical procedure that is never directly condemned in the Bible — and is arguably even sanctioned in Jewish texts when a pregnancy threatens a woman’s health. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026 Every Wednesday, Reid leads off the weekly news conference. — Sam McDowell 18, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025 Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox leads off second base during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees on September 14, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 Jarren Duran, who typically leads off and who hasn’t batted lower than sixth in the order all season, will bat eighth. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads off

Verb

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
The better approach is to clarify the audience, objective, message, action and definition of success before production begins rather than shooting as much as possible and hoping the story reveals itself afterward.

— Tavares Beverly, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of begins

Verb

As the offseason commences, the Sixers are comprised pretty much of their top four and spare parts.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 23 June 2026
For borrowers looking to purchase a home or refinance their current one in this climate, however, there are also some strategic moves worth considering now, before the Fed's June meeting even commences.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Definition of commences

Verb

Success starts with team-first mentality For veteran summer league player Sion James, the habits the Hornets are trying to establish go beyond basketball strategy.

— Amari Riley, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Annie immediately starts asking questions in the clip when her grandfather’s will reveals land in Canada, but her father doesn’t answer beyond the bare minimum.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Definition of starts

Verb

Episode three opens with Daemon and Caraxes, flanked by Ulf on Silverwing and Hugh on Vermithor, meeting Lord Ormund Hightower’s host in an open field.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
On Sundays, Kenyon opens the gates of his homestead to kids from Cherbourg, and anyone else who wants to ride bulls.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of opens

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“Leads off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads%20off. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of leads off

verb

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