leadoff 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of leadoffnext
as in first
coming before all others in time or order the leadoff batter

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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
Verb
He is expected to lead off for the Royals and set the table in front of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025 Sean McLain led off the third inning with a double off of Carson Spiers and scored the team’s lone run on the day, finishing 1-for-3. — C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 Once the plane was on the ground, the passengers would be led off, and the mercenaries would be arrested. — Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Two of Boston’s ‘Big 3’ prospects, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, will be in the top-third of the lineup, but Roman Anthony, who was originally slated to lead off and start in left-field, was scratched from the lineup early Friday morning. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2025 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. original
Adjective
  • But, this article also served as our first case study into how the snowpack, terrain, weather, and, most importantly, human factors caused this accident.
    — Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
  • People were coming up and saying, ‘Is this really your first song?’.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of first
Verb
  • Both Todd and Julie reported to their respective prisons to begin their sentences on Jan. 17, 2023.
    — Diane J. Cho, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Daylight saving time has now begun, putting us one step closer to zhuzhing up porches and patios for backyard barbecues, family reunions, pool parties, and more.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of begin
Adjective
  • Ted Lasso officially secured a Season 4 renewal at Apple TV+ earlier this month, after initial reports emerged last August that the Emmy-winning comedy was eyeing a return following Season 3’s conclusion in May 2023.
    — Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 18 Mar. 2025
  • And despite initial reports to the contrary, there was no massive contract given to former Philadelphia defensive tackle Milton Williams, thought to be the No. 1 overall free-agency target by many.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of initial
Verb
  • Well, it isn’t slated for global release just yet, although deliveries in India will commence in the first quarter of 2026.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Three things to know: The playlist was announced on Friday in honor of Commonwealth Day celebrations, which commence next week.
    — Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of commence
Adjective
  • Reses was named to the inaugural CNBC Changemakers list in 2024.
    — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
  • With the inaugural parade in 2004, the short-length festivity has grown to include a Celebrity Grand Marshall, parade kings and queens, an official measuring of the parade route, and a kissing of the Blarney Stone contest.
    — Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of inaugural
Verb
  • The Road Ahead: Navigating Policy Turbulence What started as a correction may still avoid becoming a bear market, but much depends on whether policy stabilizes.
    — Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • As the fire starts to spread wider, someone can be seen attempting to put it out with a fire extinguisher, but the flames and smoke continue to spread too quickly.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of start
Adjective
  • Now nearly complete, Disney Adventure will set sail on its maiden voyage on December 15 2025 from Singapore.
    — Karla Cripps, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The maiden voyage of Neoliner Origin, as the ship has been christened, spotlights a new era in environmentally friendly shipping as growing regulatory pressure by governments pushes the maritime sector to cut its climate emissions.
    — Nick Nuttall, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of maiden
Adjective
  • Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter reveals that WWE's original plans involved a feud between McIntyre and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes after WrestleMania.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The Purple One also created the original song score for director Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of original

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Cite this Entry

“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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