lead

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verb

Definition of LEAD

1

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front <an enthusiastic docent led our group through the art museum>

Synonyms conduct, direct, guide, marshal (also marshall), pilot, route, show, steer, usher

Related Words precede; accompany, attend, chaperone (or chaperon), convoy, escort, see; control, manage

Near Antonyms dog, hound, shadow, tail, tailgate

Antonyms follow, trail

2

to serve as leader of <a senior programmer is leading the team that is developing the new accounting software>

Synonyms boss, captain, command, head, spearhead

Related Words control, dominate; direct, govern, handle, manage, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise

Near Antonyms bow (to), comply (with), defer (to), follow, obey, serve, submit (to), yield (to)

3

to be at the front of <the local high school's marching band led the parade>

Synonyms head

Related Words precede; announce, herald; accompany, attend, escort, usher

Near Antonyms conclude, end, finish, stop, terminate; tail, tailgate; dog, follow, trail

4

to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction <this old road leads to an abandoned quarry>

Synonyms bear, extend, go, head, lead, lie

Related Words cross, cut, pass; course, follow, span, traverse

5

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 coach, counsel, lead, mentor, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor

Related Words godfather; direct, engineer, steer, sway; accompany, attend, chaperone (or chaperon), convoy, escort, see, squire; oversee, superintend, supervise; drill, train; brief, enlighten, inform; instruct, school, teach, tutor; inculcate, indoctrinate; cultivate, foster, nurture