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
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
When a wandering wolf threatens his fragile peace and slaughters his flock, Gaspard, blinded by rage, embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance — one that will lead him to the farthest reaches of his sorrow and guilt.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Cyano marks Sprague’s latest LP under her real name, but her first on lead vocals—her most recent record with Florist, Jellywish, came out last year.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.
—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
When a wandering wolf threatens his fragile peace and slaughters his flock, Gaspard, blinded by rage, embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance — one that will lead him to the farthest reaches of his sorrow and guilt.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Adjective
Industry watchers are wondering aloud whether the AI lab is slipping back from the lead pack in the AI race.
—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Cyano marks Sprague’s latest LP under her real name, but her first on lead vocals—her most recent record with Florist, Jellywish, came out last year.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
The jet stream is a highway of air at high altitudes which steers weather systems.
-
This spring, Russert received a call from leadership at MS NOW, steered by former CNN executive Rebecca Kutler.
Verb
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During the first game on Thursday, the Rangers held a commanding 6-0 lead after just three innings, thanks to home runs from Joc Pederson, Langford and Jake Burger.
-
Kelly Mason commands Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a deft hand, both at her namesake Mason Vineyards and Domaine Queylus.
Verb
-
Bilateral tensions have eased after periods of conflict, often accompanied by a revival of commercial and cultural ties.
-
Bolton shared over 1,000 pages of diary-style information about his daily duties as national security advisor with his family members, according to a court filing accompanying his guilty plea.
Verb
-
Knowing Brady and Sullivan have gone after so many years of us trying to get them out is great, but Daniel Kretinsky needs to put actions into words to keep our trust.
-
Critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough.
Verb
-
October 23 – November 21 Scorpio, deeper truths guide practical action.
-
The speed at which the tool was completed, which was about two months, also impressed Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella, who has placed great trust in Andreou to guide Copilot, the company’s pivotal AI product, in a more competitive direction.
Noun
-
But traipse past the principal’s office, scale a short incline, and you’ll be rewarded with an 80-foot-long mural that explodes with color.
-
Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.
Noun
-
During a 2002 visitor survey, though, the majority of day-use visitors reported hiking 10 miles or less, and the most common distance hiked was 5 miles, Patterson reports.
-
Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.
Noun
-
Thank you to everyone who read or contributed to this column over the years, who reached out to me with story ideas or tips, or complimented my terrible artwork.
-
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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