lead 1 of 3

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
as in to accompany
to be at the front of the local high school's marching band led the parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to go
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction this old road leads to an abandoned quarry

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

lead

2 of 3

noun

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

lead

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lead contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lead are engineer, guide, pilot, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When is engineer a more appropriate choice than lead?

The words engineer and lead can be used in similar contexts, but engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan.

engineered his son's election to the governorship

When might guide be a better fit than lead?

While in some cases nearly identical to lead, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

When would pilot be a good substitute for lead?

The words pilot and lead are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

In what contexts can steer take the place of lead?

In some situations, the words steer and lead are roughly equivalent. However, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lead
Verb
Sent undercover by the FBI, Blazer offered bribes to coaches from the leading basketball programs in the country — Arizona, Louisville, Auburn and many others. Guy Lawson, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025 To lead effectively in this new landscape, business leaders should consider three mindset changes: 1. David Chiem, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
Latham & Watkins acted as lead legal advisor to New Regency, Sidley Austin acted as legal advisor to Shamrock Capital and DLA Piper acted as legal advisor to the lenders. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 June 2025 The Royals lost their lead runner and now had an out. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
  • At the same time, Wynwood Norte is seeing some of the fruits of the rezoning in the form of several low-scale, neighborhood-friendly workforce apartment buildings that are now under construction, said Miami attorney Steven Wernick, who helped steer that plan to approval.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
  • They’re embedded just enough to carry the weight—but not enough to steer the ship.
    Roomy Khan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Just as the nuclear triad structured the postwar balance of power, this new triad will determine who commands economic stability, military strength and political influence.
    Markus Pflitsch, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • In 1950, Dwight Eisenhower, who had commanded Allied Forces in Europe during the Second World War, became NATO’s first SACEUR.
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Wednesday is predicted to put an end to the week’s streak of showers and thunderstorms with mostly sunny conditions expected throughout the day accompanied by a high of 88.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • Costly Fourth of July barbecues in California Fireworks aren’t the only thing accompanying Californians’ Fourth of July celebrations this year — higher grocery prices will as well.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The transponders onboard Relay 2 stopped responding to radio signals in June 1967, after which point the satellite went silent—until last June.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • As the story goes, Jackson Pollock stepped onto a canvas in 1947, drizzled some paint here and there, and God reached a bony finger down from the heavens and pressed it upon the scale of art history, tilting it from Europe to the United States.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone, along with Connecticut State Police.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
  • The policy guides efforts across the system’s campuses and academic health centers, including UC San Diego Health.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Among them, El Camino Creek School Principal Jodi Greenberger spoke out on behalf of herself and the eight other principals in the district, sharing that the leadership team does not support the addition of a charter school.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • Mike Lé Han’s next psychological horror, Don’t Look Inside, has set its principal cast before kicking off production this fall in Minnesota.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
  • Then again, actors who go the distance tend to work with intention instead of throwing themselves at anything and everything.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • For a luxury twist, its Southern Sweets and Good Day Blunts come hand-rolled with glass tips.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • This advisory is in effect until Thursday at 7 p.m. Protect yourself during a heat wave with these tips from the NWS Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of fluids.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!