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
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
When a wandering wolf threatens his fragile peace and slaughters his flock, Gaspard, blinded by rage, embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance — one that will lead him to the farthest reaches of his sorrow and guilt.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Cyano marks Sprague’s latest LP under her real name, but her first on lead vocals—her most recent record with Florist, Jellywish, came out last year.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.
—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
When a wandering wolf threatens his fragile peace and slaughters his flock, Gaspard, blinded by rage, embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance — one that will lead him to the farthest reaches of his sorrow and guilt.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Adjective
Industry watchers are wondering aloud whether the AI lab is slipping back from the lead pack in the AI race.
—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Cyano marks Sprague’s latest LP under her real name, but her first on lead vocals—her most recent record with Florist, Jellywish, came out last year.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
Frank Carone agreed to accept bribes from Zhu and Chen, funneled through Anthony Carone, in exchange for steering a multimillion-dollar contract to house migrants at their Long Island City hotel, the indictment alleges.
-
Ahead of Mulier’s February 2027 debut, the intention is that the new creative and business management line-up, including Bertelli and the next chief executive, will work together to steer Versace’s new era.
Verb
-
The note was dictated and signed by Washington and given to Charles Cornwallis, Britain’s lieutenant general commanding the southern campaign, in Yorktown, Virginia, following the British request to end hostilities to agree to the terms of its surrender.
-
My aunts are commanding, and each in her own way can be intimidating.
Verb
-
Clinical psychologists Hillary Halpern and Maureen Perry-Jenkins documented that the transition from single life to fatherhood is often accompanied by a roller coaster of emotions.
-
The rhythmic pulse of hand clapping, accompanied by the resounding harmonic messages through voice.
Verb
-
The Phillies duo followed up their historic night on Saturday in which Schwarber hit three home runs and Harper hit for the cycle, by both going deep against the Mets again.
-
How airlines and airports can do better Maglione and Riccobono both said that training and implementing new technology can go a long way toward improving the flying experience for blind travelers.
Verb
-
That idea guided nearly every aspect of the wardrobe.
-
Itineraries guide food-lovers to Breyðvirkið, the Faroe Islands’ sole artisanal sourdough bakery, renowned for its exceptional coffee and its ‘BMO’ (bolle med ost), a classic Scandinavian breakfast of a fresh sourdough bun with butter and cheese.
Noun
-
The agency problem is built on the assumption that principals needed protecting from agents.
-
Alzubi was announced as the incoming principal of Western Hills High School on May 22, but Fort Worth ISD officials said four days later that the Muslim educator had been reassigned to another position.
Noun
-
During a 2002 visitor survey, though, the majority of day-use visitors reported hiking 10 miles or less, and the most common distance hiked was 5 miles, Patterson reports.
-
Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.
Noun
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This lightweight formula hydrates both scalp and strands, while ingredients like niacinamide, biotin, panthenol, and green tea extract support stronger, healthier-looking hair from root to tip.
-
Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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