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
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Recent Examples of lead
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
Both sides eclipsed triple digits in the second overtime, a charge on the Maryland side led by Te-Biasu’s pair of 3-pointers.
—Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025
Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 May 2025
Recasting diversity, equity and inclusion Harvard this week changed the name of its Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Community and Campus Life, its lead officer, Sherri Ann Charleston, announced in an email to the campus community.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
The Miami Heat enters an important game in Chicago with its leading trio will be available for the first time in nearly two weeks..
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
Both sides eclipsed triple digits in the second overtime, a charge on the Maryland side led by Te-Biasu’s pair of 3-pointers.
—Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Julia Garner is currently negotiating for a lead role in a Netflix limited series that would explore the rise and fall of FTX, Variety has learned from sources.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 May 2025
Recasting diversity, equity and inclusion Harvard this week changed the name of its Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Community and Campus Life, its lead officer, Sherri Ann Charleston, announced in an email to the campus community.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
Arniel steered the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, energizing Winnipeg’s veterans after several years of postseason disappointment.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
After Shaver’s death in 1958, department store executives continued to steer the gala, but attendance and revenue waned.—
Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén,
The Conversation,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Isaacman is a billionaire pilot and astronaut who founded the Shift4 Payments company as a teenager and commanded the first civilian space crew in 2021 aboard a SpaceX capsule.—
Karen Freifeld,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Isaacman funded and commanded Polaris Dawn, a private SpaceX flight that circled Earth for nearly five days last September.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Dunk’s return to form against West Ham was accompanied by Solly March’s first start for 18 months after major knee damage.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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Upon embarking the plane, you will be accompanied right to your chauffeur.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
And then, all of the sudden, the girlfriend’s gone.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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After the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards poked the proverbial bear, Doncic turned his game up a notch, scoring 31 points to go with 12 rebounds and nine assists (on a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line) to give the Lakers a 94-85 victory in Game 2, evening the series.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Without a cell signal to guide her, my husband and I led her to the interstate ourselves.—
Barbara Kingsolver,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
-
This season, however, started with one win from eight games and FC were languishing in the bottom four until Mark Beesley, formerly of Warrington Town, was appointed as manager and has guided them to safety.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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If the index stays above a set barrier—commonly 60-75% of its initial value—the investor gets their principal back, possibly with a coupon.—
Sergei Klebnikov,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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That includes the mortgage principal and interest, private mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance, property taxes and other monthly expenses.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The lake is nine feet deep at a 35-foot distance from the shoreline, according to the university.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And while The First Shadow features a younger version of his Stranger Things character, Modine revealed that Alex Breaux, the actor who plays Dr. Brenner in the play, did not reach out to him for tips or guidance.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Timely tax tips and the latest news delivered to your inbox weekly Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades Kelly Phillips Erb is a Philadelphia-area Forbes senior writer who covers tax, law, and financial crimes.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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