1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
they are the leading suppliers of processed meat in the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commanding
highest in rank or authority
served as the leading counsel on the defendant's legal team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in guiding
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in heading
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 accompanying
to be at the front of
the local high school's marching band led the parade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in showing
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of leading
The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
Beautifully photographed by Greig Fraser, the color palette is warm and colorful, not cold and sterile; Daniel Pemberton’s percussive score is curious, bright and emotionally leading.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Lamont has been a leading national voice in opposing Trumpian excesses such as high tariffs, environmental rollbacks, and cuts to healthcare.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
This programming is part of Seabourn Conversations, Seabourn’s enrichment program known for offering guests insights from leading thinkers, authors, and experts in an intimate, conversational setting.
—The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
Beautifully photographed by Greig Fraser, the color palette is warm and colorful, not cold and sterile; Daniel Pemberton’s percussive score is curious, bright and emotionally leading.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Clippers began to pull away in the second, holding a 57-46 lead at the half after leading by as many as 16.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Lamont has been a leading national voice in opposing Trumpian excesses such as high tariffs, environmental rollbacks, and cuts to healthcare.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
Demonstrators flocked to protests around the country to march, stand in crowds or line main streets.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Sirens alerted people to seek shelter in and around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beer Sheba and areas near the country’s main nuclear research center, which were targeted by Iranian strikes that injured dozens last weekend.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Raman had a commanding lead in a field of five major candidates, with 33% of voters supporting her, while Bass trailed at 17%, according to the poll by the Loyola Marymount University Center for the Study of Los Angeles.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
-
At 132 feet, the 40P is larger and more commanding, offering additional space and slightly flashier features.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
More than a saying, pura vida is a guiding philosophy that honors simplicity and sustainability, and celebrates the deep-rooted connection between people and their environment.—
Meghan Palmer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Pluto is in your supportive 4th house, guiding conversations with housemates or relatives about necessary shifts.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Fans heading to Coors Field in Denver this season can expect more than baseball.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Return to Earth and splashdown After the lunar flyby, the crew will spend several days heading back to Earth while continuing to conduct deep-space tests, including evaluations of power systems, thermal controls, and crew operations far beyond low Earth orbit.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
School staff and their fellow parents are a source of support, even accompanying them to visa appointments.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Even after Acuff drove in for a layup and accompanying free throw, Arkansas was still a distant 20 points back, at 95-75 with six minutes to go.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Congress anticipated those rising costs and debated extending the enhanced premium tax credits toward the end of last year.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
San Antonio had six players score in double figures while extending its lead to 29 points in the third quarter.—
CBS Chicago Team,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The complaint included Colorado State Patrol inspection records showing 19 notices in the years leading up to the crash -- most related to brake problems.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Auriemma wasn’t finished showing his displeasure.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Even when users recognize models as sycophantic, the AI’s responses still affect them, said the study’s co-lead author, Stanford computer science and linguistics professor Dan Jurafsky.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Widely known for playing the lead role in the Emmy-winning comedy series My Name is Earl, Lee most recently starred as Tripp Morgan, the president’s wayward, younger brother in Shondaland’s The Residence on Netflix.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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