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
Nolan Arenado led off the eighth with a single, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on a single by Pavin Smith. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 After Larnach doubled to lead off the game against Tatsuya Imai (5-4), Bell hit a two-out, two-run homer. — CBS News, 2 July 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. get off
Adjective
  • The Kings led 28-22 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 55-48 advantage into the halftime break.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Tehran has paused fragile negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a lasting deal to end their conflict during the multi-day funeral for Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February, on the first day of the war.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of first
Verb
  • Friends of both Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs football star tight end began arriving mid-afternoon in a steady stream of SUVs.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Nunez said investigators planned to interview an employee who was working at the business when the blaze began.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of begin
Adjective
  • Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association members have broadened to include NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of initial
Verb
  • Carlson, whose rights Anaheim traded to Carolina four days before the free agent signing period commenced, joins a defense corps that includes Victor Hedman, who is one year younger and has played five more career regular season games.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Early-stage discussions of regulation have also commenced in Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Peru, Norway, the United Kingdom and the remainder of the European Union.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
Definition of commence
Adjective
  • The Scottish original earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and the inaugural Michelin Service Award before crossing the Atlantic.
    — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The union, which formed in 2021 and includes roughly 150 curators, conservators, educators, and public programmers, ratified its inaugural contract, for a two-and-a-half-year span, in 2023.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 30 June 2026
Definition of inaugural
Verb
  • Available cruises on Legend currently start at $773 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees, according to Royal Caribbean’s website.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • El Niño is expected to prolong an existing unrelated marine heat wave that would otherwise typically start fading between October and December, scientists say.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of start
Adjective
  • The Pharaohs have often underperformed on the world stage, but the game against Australia presents Egypt with a real chance to win its maiden knockout fixture.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • Despite the advantage, Antonelli’s results in the last two races have put his maiden title bid under a bit of pressure.
    — Yara Elshebiny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of maiden
Verb
  • Acuff got off to a much better start after struggling to make shots in his summer league debut on Saturday.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Ronaldo got off a backward kick with his right foot after a header by teammate João Félix bounced off Simón’s shoulder.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of get off

Browse Nearby Words

leadmen
leadoff
lead off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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