leadoff
noun
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lead off
verb
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Definition of lead off (Entry 2 of 2)
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Synonyms & Antonyms for leadoff
Synonyms: Verb
begin, commence, embark (on or upon), enter (into or upon), fall (to), get off, kick off, launch, open, start, strike (into)
Antonyms: Verb
conclude, end, finish, terminate
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Examples of leadoff in a Sentence
Verb
plans to lead off the news conference with a prepared statementRecent Examples on the Web: Noun
Luiz Arraez went 3 for 5 in his first appearance as a major league leadoff hitter, opening with a double and scoring on Polanco’s double. — John Shipley, Twin Cities, "Twins peak early in 6-4 loss to White Sox," 19 Aug. 2019 Bowser’s high school teammate, Pete Crow-Armstrong, was the leadoff hitter in the game. — Los Angeles Times, "It’s a perfect day for Drew Bowser at Perfect Game All-American Classic," 12 Aug. 2019 That sort of patience is what has made Grandal a useful albeit somewhat unconventional leadoff hitter the 13 times he's filled that spot so far this season. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Yasmani Grandal has managed to stay productive offensively despite recent power outage," 11 Aug. 2019 Last week Beckham likened their situation to a baseball lineup that has a leadoff hitter and a No. — Scott Patsko, cleveland.com, "How Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry are leading Browns wide receivers," 29 July 2019 Their leadoff hitter out of the gate, Josh Harrison, has been injured throughout; Jeimer Candelario stumbled but swung well last week; and Niko Goodrum’s production has waned with more at-bats. — Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers midseason grades: Ugly first half worse than expected," 10 July 2019 In the second inning, shortstop Chris Taylor allowed the leadoff hitter to reach base with a throwing error and the Diamondbacks (41-41) eventually tacked on an unearned run. — Jorge Castillo, latimes.com, "Rough start to Tony Gonsolin's major league debut costs Dodgers," 26 June 2019 At the plate, Brewer was one of the best leadoff hitters in the county, finishing with an on-base percentage of .500. — Brent Kennedy, baltimoresun.com, "Hammond senior Liguori finishes on top as Howard County softball Player of Year," 18 June 2019 The secret to the leadoff hitter’s success is a mature swing that enables him to hit to all fields with power. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon says Trevor Story deserves assist for hot streak," 14 June 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Mookie Betts continued to play the role of catalyst, lining a changeup to center off Angels lefty Andrew Heaney to lead off the first — the third straight game here that Betts opened with a hit. — Alex Speier, BostonGlobe.com, "Bullpen comes up big again as Red Sox win Angels series," 1 Sep. 2019 With the Padres shifted right, Cody Bellinger reached down to ground a 2-2 fastball well off the plate for a double through the empty spot at third base to lead off the fourth inning. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Dodgers’ Buehler continues to own Padres," 27 Aug. 2019 Second-year starter Jaime Barria had retired seven in a row when Xander Bogaerts led off the fourth with a double. — Los Angeles Times, "Angels’ streak reaches new heights in ‘embarrassing’ loss to Red Sox," 9 Aug. 2019 After reaching base on a fielder's choice in the first inning and popping out in the third, Diaz came to the plate to lead off the sixth. — Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, "As broadcasters interview his parents, Marlins rookie Isan Diaz homers in his MLB debut," 5 Aug. 2019 Puello had also made a nice, charging grab of a sinking liner to lead off the bottom of the eighth. — Matt Carlson, sun-sentinel.com, "Puello’s eighth-inning bat, glove hand Gallen first career win; Marlins take series from host White Sox," 25 July 2019 The double was Castellanos’ 35th of the season — leading the big leagues — and scored rookie Harold Castro, who led off the inning with a double. — Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers' Matthew Boyd solid in loss vs. Phillies, 3-2 (15 inn.)," 24 July 2019 The Yankees had not allowed and then hit a leadoff homer in the same game since Aug. 17, 2006, when Baltimore’s Brian Roberts led off against Jaret Wright, and Johnny Damon connected off Rodrigo Lopez. — Ronald Blum, courant.com, "Paxton stumbles again as Rockies beat Yankees," 21 July 2019 The closest Seattle came to a hit was Mac Williamson’s hard grounder toward the shortstop hole to lead off the sixth inning. — Mike Digiovanna, latimes.com, "Angels throw combined no-hitter on night they honor Tyler Skaggs," 12 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leadoff.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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