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
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
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Bottom line, rates took a lead off last week as economic fears surged.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Yes, Biden was led off the stage by Democratic leaders, including Obama.
—W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
While no Yankees’ receivers have led off, there have been catchers known to do it.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Verb
Houck led off the seventh with a single and a walk but got another double play to escape the jam before Justin Wilson recorded the final out of the inning on one pitch.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Bottom line, rates took a lead off last week as economic fears surged.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Yes, Biden was led off the stage by Democratic leaders, including Obama.
—W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
While no Yankees’ receivers have led off, there have been catchers known to do it.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leadoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leadoff
Adjective
-
The Mavs do have a first round draft selection in the upcoming NBA Draft, which will be in the lottery.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The first baseman, playing in, then got Caballero in a rundown.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The European Union has begun to issue its U.S.-bound officials burner phones, for fear of surveillance, the Financial Times reported.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Earlier this month, the Administration began the process of cancelling the Social Security numbers of immigrants who were in the country lawfully.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As with the coal black tree snake, the atra tree snake has thus far only been found on its initial island of discovery, Misima.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Although these prices plummeted to $100 on the day of the show, the initial asking price highlights the financial barrier for many fans hoping to witness the event live.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Around the same time, the company commenced an aggressive play for the college sports insurance market, introducing a novel contract protection product for NIL collectives while also trying to get into the critical injury coverage niche.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Production on the second season of Nobody Wants This commenced in March 2025.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Nearly 1 million viewers tuned in during its inaugural 2019 season.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Bobby manages to save Chimney, who falls ill and starts coughing up blood while responding to the lab blaze.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Blackwell, a healthy scratch in Game 1, jumped into the lineup and instantly provided some energy, starting the first scrum of the evening after an early whistle.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Disney’s biggest ever cruise ship will set off on its maiden voyage later this year.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Cliffhanger is one of several rides and other activities on board the cruise line’s newest U.S. flagship, which set sail on its maiden voyage from Miami on April 12.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Columbus is an original MLS club that has built a positive reputation as a visionary.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Tesla also has refreshed its original Model Y with exterior and interior changes.—
Abhirup Roy,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share