1
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front
an enthusiastic docent led our group through the art museum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to command
to serve as leader of
a senior programmer is leading the team that is developing the new accounting software
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
5
as in to guide
to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed
the salesclerk led us through the maze of options now available to television buyers
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in principal
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
the actor's career has really taken off since he became the lead in that prime-time drama
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distance
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
the runner maintained a lead of several meters all the way around the track
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tip
a piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert
my sister got a lead on the job opening from her neighbor, who is the human resources director for the company
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in cue
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation)
the police are now working on several leads generated by the evidence gathered at the crime scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in leading
highest in rank or authority
the lead diplomat is responsible for making policy for the entire embassy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of lead
David Axe, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Britain and France are leading that effort, which could involve several other European countries.
—arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
Williamson is the lead singer and lyricist for British band Sleaford Mods and is also known for his work as an actor in Bird, Peaky Blinders and Landscapers.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
Typically, the bike troops lead an assault, speeding into new positions to secure safe lodgments for follow-on forces including increasingly precious tanks and other armored vehicles.
—David Axe, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Britain and France are leading that effort, which could involve several other European countries.
—arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The erstwhile Harry Potter star earned an Emmy nomination in 2023 for playing the lead role in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
Williamson is the lead singer and lyricist for British band Sleaford Mods and is also known for his work as an actor in Bird, Peaky Blinders and Landscapers.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
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Yet one of the most important beneficiaries has been the medical field, where F1’s ability to steer change is well established.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Carney will visit Paris and London to strengthen alliances and discuss economic diversification, while steering clear of Washington for now.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Weaver says that despite United’s poor form, the club is still commanding top-end commercial revenues for shirt sponsorships.—
Steve Price,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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Myths exist to be retold and reinvented, and by Born This Way, Lady Gaga absolutely commanded the power to do so. 14.—
Kristen S. Hé,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Unstable weather conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity and unexpected wind, often accompany rain.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Mar. 2025
-
According to the insider, director Doug Liman accompanied the two on the trip, but further details about the project were not disclosed.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Humans generate memories during their very first months of life, but where do those memories go?—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Ryan Foscolo went 3-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI for Hagerty (14-2), while Stephen Chucka had a triple, double and RBI and Brandon Levy and Nathaniel Rhodes each added doubles and an RBI.—
Steve Gorches,
Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Residents want city planners to take notice and be a guiding hand for new investment in their community — especially since landmarks such as Puckett’s and Gary’s Barber Shop, which served the community for 59 years, will be or are already gone.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Mar. 2025
-
In just two years at American — his first as coach — Simpkins has amassed a 38-28 record and guided the school to its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2014.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As detectives investigated the Instagram account, a middle school principal reported to Albuquerque Public Schools police that a student reported the same video of the crash.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
19 Mar. 2025
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Monarch Media and its principals Barnett, Powell and Patel recently announced securing remake rights to the classic coming-of-age drama A Walk to Remember, based on Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Naz, a nature photographer, keeps himself at a distance after fleeing divinity school and the life his parents had so carefully crafted for him.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2025
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But most of the agency’s other networks are structured as nonprofit organizations that are funded through federal grants, and that distance is making a big difference right now.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The president’s promise to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security will augment that number.—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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