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
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
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
Adjective
-
People were coming up and saying, ‘Is this really your first song?’.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
-
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
Verb
-
Republican sentiment on Trump's foreign policy is also beginning to shift, 15 percent expressing concerns that his decisions have hurt America's standing on the global stage.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The first phase of the deal expired earlier this month, and Hamas has been pushing for the second phase to begin.—
Kat Lonsdorf,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
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
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
Adjective
-
One local team’s winning ways during the inaugural season resulted in several unique opportunities with the Chiefs.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
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
Verb
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
But the seven-time world champion was unable to replicate that performance in qualifying as McLaren’s Piastri secured his maiden pole with Hamilton qualifying fifth.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Officials at Boeing no doubt had high hopes that the Starliner's maiden voyage with a crew in June would be a critical step in NASA approving the spacecraft for routine trips to orbit.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The Purple One also created the original song score for director Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Leadoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leadoff. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share