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