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
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Real Madrid and Liverpool legend Steve ‘Macca’ McManaman will lead the commentary team alongside former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Stewart Robson.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025
The film's lead animal trainer, Mark Forbes, also appeared in the video and outlined the requirements for submissions.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
Nineteen-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr. and Stellar Award winner Jason Nelson lead the field of nominees this year with nine nominations each, with both landing top nominations in the key categories Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Real Madrid and Liverpool legend Steve ‘Macca’ McManaman will lead the commentary team alongside former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Stewart Robson.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Webb had the unique opportunity of being part of the original Broadway cast as a member of the ensemble and a Juliet understudy before now landing the lead role.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025
The film's lead animal trainer, Mark Forbes, also appeared in the video and outlined the requirements for submissions.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
The former Spurs and Liverpool striker assumed the Hungarian club’s hotseat in January, having won the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Tel Aviv last year and made a seamless transition, steering the Budapest club to their 36th – and seventh consecutive – league title.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Grid fins are lattice-style control surfaces that help steer rockets back down through the atmosphere toward their landing zones, helping to reduce the possible risk of damage or a crash.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
With Jayden Daniels not commanding much financially at the moment, the time is now for Washington to spend big on the talent around him.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
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But on the basis that many academy players command no fee in the first place, earnings on them represent profit from top to bottom — and, as our analysis shows, sometimes huge amounts of it.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Her grandfather, Jim Coleman, and uncle, Jacob, accompany her on guitar and mandolin.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
16 Aug. 2025
-
With Brian Cashman accompanying the Yankees to St. Louis, the Bombers beat the Cardinals, 4-3, on Friday night.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Primrose ended up in the shelter after her previous owner went into assisted living.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Clinically, its approach begins with comprehensive lab testing and detailed symptom reviews to guide individualized prescriptions.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Parents can also use the document to guide how the property is used, such as laying out how many holiday weekends each child gets, who has the right to redecorate or whether the home can be rented out or used for weddings.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For one thing, the tradition of slow-as-you-go diplomacy, of meticulous meetings by aides to hash out the details before the principals meet, has been replaced by sweeping declarations from the top − often streamed live to the world and updated in real time on Truth Social.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The 2024 constructors’ title win came after a remarkable turnaround both on and off the track for McLaren, led by Brown and team principal Andrea Stella.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Grandma Blue crossed the distance between them and raised her stick to hit him.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Let your teeth part slightly so there’s a tiny gap, and rest the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Joao Pedro continued a spectacularly clinical start to his career at the tip of Maresca’s attack with a goal in each game, and Gittens showcased some sharp skills and explosive speed on the left flank.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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