as in first
coming before all others in time or order
the leadoff batter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of leadoff
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2024
Harris was an early supporter of Obama’s 2008 presidential bid, and knocked on doors for him in Iowa ahead of its caucus that led off voting in the Democratic primary.
—Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Ramos legged out an infield single to allow Yastrzemski to score from third after leading off the game with a single, then smashed a two-out double that was quickly cashed in by Patrick Bailey with a sharp single through the right side of the infield.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024
Saturday Night Live will open its landmark 50th season on NBC with a run of four consecutive live shows, leading off with an Emmy winner and featuring several repeat hosts.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leadoff 
Verb
Kansas, Alabama and Connecticut lead off the men’s rankings while South Carolina, Connecticut and USC lead the women’s.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2024
Harris was an early supporter of Obama’s 2008 presidential bid, and knocked on doors for him in Iowa ahead of its caucus that led off voting in the Democratic primary.
—Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Ramos legged out an infield single to allow Yastrzemski to score from third after leading off the game with a single, then smashed a two-out double that was quickly cashed in by Patrick Bailey with a sharp single through the right side of the infield.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024
Saturday Night Live will open its landmark 50th season on NBC with a run of four consecutive live shows, leading off with an Emmy winner and featuring several repeat hosts.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
Adjective
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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
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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
Verb
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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
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Evans got back in the Corolla and the driver began taking him to the hospital.Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
Verb
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Okay, so the holiday season hasn't exactly commenced just yet.Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024
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Its other businesses commenced layoffs last year, as the company prioritizes the quality over the quantity of its content.Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Last season, the inaugural in-season tournament was called, well, the NBA In-Season Tournament.Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
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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
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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
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Irving started getting around Braun and making tough shots.Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
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Smoke was also limiting visibility and slowing traffic on the busy U.S. 101 freeway, south of the state route, the department said on X. High winds caused spot fires to ignite 2½ miles away in front of the site of the original blaze, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said.Phil Helsel, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
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In 2022, the Electoral Count Reform Act, passed with bipartisan support, strengthened the original act by creating a system of judicial oversight, where courts have the final say on the lawful counting of votes and determination of a slate of electors.Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near leadoff
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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