as in first
coming before all others in time or order
the leadoff batter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Examples 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
Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2024
Smith took an 0-2 pitch from Luis Gil deep to lead off the fifth.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
Harris led off her remarks in Waterford Friday evening with an impassioned plea for peace in the Middle East.
—John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024
After Muncy led off the second inning with a walk, Teoscar Hernández hit a swinging bunt in front of the plate that Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez unwisely threw to second, a low throw that got away from teammate Jose Iglesias to allow both runners to reach safely.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leadoff 
Verb
Walton may have saved a run with his defense, diving to right to rob Bogaerts of a hit to lead off the fourth, but contributed a pair of their strikeouts while going hitless at the plate.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2024
Smith took an 0-2 pitch from Luis Gil deep to lead off the fifth.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
Harris led off her remarks in Waterford Friday evening with an impassioned plea for peace in the Middle East.
—John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024
After Muncy led off the second inning with a walk, Teoscar Hernández hit a swinging bunt in front of the plate that Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez unwisely threw to second, a low throw that got away from teammate Jose Iglesias to allow both runners to reach safely.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
Adjective
-
As China’s first nuclear test in 1964 prompted India to test a weapon in 1974, which in turn drove Pakistan to accelerate its nuclear program and test a weapon in 1998, in the long run, Israel’s escalating military campaign may constitute Iran’s final incentive to cross the nuclear threshold.Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
-
The first third of the book is largely takes place in the faux-medieval village from Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Determined to bring Franck back, Elsa begins trying to do the aliens’ bidding, which adds a slight ticking-clock quality to the narrative.Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Yet much about Jupiter remains a mystery, even as NASA’s robotic probe Juno begins its ninth year orbiting this strange planet.Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
On Thursday, the market will receive initial jobless claims data, offering a snapshot of the labor market’s health, along with the Producer Price Index (PPI) and core PPI data.Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
-
The trust would be funded in installments over several years, beginning with an initial installment of about $65 million and growing by $10 million to $13 million for the next several years.Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
The company has not commenced any operations and will not generate operating revenues until after the completion of the Initial Business Combination.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
-
The Oasis Live ‘25 tour has 38 shows booked so far, and will commence on July 4 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.Sophie Williams, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Last season, the inaugural in-season tournament was called, well, the NBA In-Season Tournament.Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
-
Keith tossed five touchdowns and had an interception near the goal line to lead Northwood to a 31-17 victory against Trabuco Hills in the inaugural Division 2 championship game.Dan Albano, Orange County Register, 9 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
The streamlined features start with a minimalist panel-loading design that keeps everything accessible and organized (unlike your home after the holidays).Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
-
Irving started getting around Braun and making tough shots.Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Collins reached the quarterfinals in Paris during her maiden Olympics before an abdominal injury forced her to retire against Iga Swiatek.Manasi Pathak, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
-
For many straight men, their maiden journey to a strip club is an obligatory rite of passage, but for Baker, the incident was more fraught.Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
The musical was written by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, and features original music by Leland and vocals by Daren Criss and Cat Cohen.Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
-
By design, Collision Course is a stunt release, and the mash-ups can’t possibly hold the artistic power of the original tracks.Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near leadoff
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share