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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of leadoff
Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The right-hander gave up two walks in the first three innings before Elly De La Cruz led off the fourth with a base hit to right.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
But after throwing a scoreless fifth, Ohtani again was due up to lead off the bottom half of the inning.
—Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The right-hander gave up two walks in the first three innings before Elly De La Cruz led off the fourth with a base hit to right.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
Adjective
-
Ace right-hander Jacob deGrom, making his first start of the season after being scratched Saturday with a neck injury, cruised through the first four innings and almost made if out of the fifth, but Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run double to tie the game at 3.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
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Yet this is part of a trend that’s defined the Knicks’ first season under Brown, one that also predated Brown’s arrival as a through-line over the course of last season’s playoff run.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Transportation Security Administration Officers began receiving their paychecks, which were not funded during an ongoing partial government shutdown.—
Marvin Hurst,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In assessing a life prison term for DeAujalae Evans, the jury selected the most severe penalty for intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer, the offense to which Evan pleaded guilty as the jury began to hear evidence in the case of the death of Sgt.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As well as continuing to restore water service to his residence after the initial altercation.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Instead of getting a kickstart on redetermination, which would have started in July under the initial bill, redeterminations will begin in 2027.—
Keely Doll,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Trade with China commenced in 1553.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon shared the fun fact on X once the court commenced arguments Wednesday morning, but her post drew some backlash, with critics saying no such chair exists.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Manuela Moscoso is the inaugural executive and artistic director of CARA (Center for Art, Research, and Alliances) and has served as curator of the Second Bienal das Amazônias (2025), the Eleventh Liverpool Biennial (2021), and the Bienal de Cuenca (2014).—
Manuela Moscoso,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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The Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film (May 12-20) is extending its AI For Talent Summit which will mark its second year this May after a one-day inaugural edition last year.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That decade started with the 1973 oil embargo by Arab countries who were members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and ended with the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which many attribute to helping end Jimmy Carter's presidency.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Milwaukee’s attention on Brown and Tatum created several wide-open inside looks for Queta, who started 5-for-6 and drew two shooting fouls during a 13-point frame.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Firing Room 1 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida has witnessed the liftoff of several historic Apollo missions, including the one in 1969 that put humans on the moon for the first time, and the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Columbia.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
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Still, the synergy between the two will loom large as the Spurs approach the maiden postseason voyage of the Wembanyama era next month.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Antonio Express-News,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Throughout the property, the original building's bones— beams, tiles, pillars, and window frames—were gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
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Judge Barrett, who handed down the original sentence, will likely be the one to do it.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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