leading

lead·ing

adj \ˈlē-diŋ\

Definition of LEADING

1

: coming or ranking first : foremost

2

: exercising leadership

3

: providing direction or guidance <a leading question>

4

: given most prominent display <the leading story>

Examples of LEADING

1. a leading topic of conversation
2. Their family played a leading part in the settlement of the town.
3. the leading role in a major Hollywood movie
4. a leading citizen of the town
5. She's one of the leading authorities on the stock market.

First Known Use of LEADING

1597

Related to LEADING

Synonyms: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, foremost, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme

Antonyms: last, least

Related Words: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior; high-level, senior, top; important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant; incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

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Rhymes with LEADING

bleeding, breeding, reading, reeding