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lead on
verb
led on; leading on; leads on
: to entice or induce to adopt or continue in a course or belief especially when unwise or mistaken
Synonyms
Examples of lead on in a Sentence
a con man whose dupes are usually led on by their own greed and eagerness to turn an easy buck
Recent Examples on the Web
Stone passed the early 3-0 lead on to the Dodgers’ bullpen.
—Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 2 June 2024
Bennett gave Florida a two-goal lead on an empty-netter 1:52 left in regulation.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024
And 3 1/2 minutes later, Florida had the lead on a pinball goal by Verhaeghe.
—Tim Reynolds, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024
Advertisement The Sea Lions dug themselves a huge hole in the best-of-three series, losing Friday’s opening game against the Otters and then spotting Monterey Bay a four-run, first-inning lead on Saturday.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for lead on
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lead on.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1598, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lead on
Cite this Entry
“Lead on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20on. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
lead on
verb
: to persuade to take up or continue in a course of action or belief when unwise or mistaken
led on by the promise of wealth
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