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
Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
The feature was written for the screen by Miller from her acclaimed play, which was led by Jodie Comer in the West End and Broadway, and won Oliviers for best new play and best actress and the Tony Award for best actress.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Henry Selick, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
When an autopsy found lead pellets in his face, the sheriff said these might be dental fillings.
—Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
Ausberry was promoted to the interim job in Woodward’s place, and the board gave him the authority to lead the coaching hire.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
The feature was written for the screen by Miller from her acclaimed play, which was led by Jodie Comer in the West End and Broadway, and won Oliviers for best new play and best actress and the Tony Award for best actress.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Their lead guitarist — a wiry seventeen-year-old named Bruce Springsteen — already had an assistant to hit his echo pedal on cue.
—Henry Selick, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
When an autopsy found lead pellets in his face, the sheriff said these might be dental fillings.
—Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
The lack of vetoes signals Crowley's agreement that the board's changes strike the right note of protecting services for vulnerable residents while steering the county toward a more fiscally responsible future.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
As was the case a year ago, Fox heavied up on the Dallas Cowboys in the early half of the season, while steering clear of Jerry Jones’ mercurial bunch in the latter portion.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Paramount has made three offers to acquire the company, which is expected to command in the range of $60 billion, though WBD is also fielding interest in its studios-and-streaming division.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Early on in the second quarter, Seattle had a commanding 28-0 lead.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Even before today’s announcement, though, Medicare could cover the drugs for other conditions that often accompany being overweight, such as diabetes and sleep apnea.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
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Each dish can be paired with Carbone Riviera’s impressive wine list, focused in on Champagne, white Burgundy, and coastal Italian vino accompanied by reds from Tuscany, Burgundy and Piedmont.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Unfortunately, Packers quarterback Jordan Love will go into the game without one of his top receiving threats, who came into the game with a questionable tag.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The company count included insiders like Musk, who held around a 15% stake in Tesla going into the proxy and was allowed to vote his shares.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Paul was a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion and guided the league through the challenges of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
More than half of states now have some form of school cellphone ban enshrined in law, and about two-thirds of school principals reported in a recent RAND survey that their schools have an all-day cellphone ban in place.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Balloon payments of the outstanding principal and interest would be due at maturity for both notes.—
Joseph Flaherty,
Arkansas Online,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Presidents before Roosevelt largely kept their distance from the press and only occasionally granted interviews.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
After playing a career-best game to tip off the season, pouring in 31 points against Indiana State, Bradford has gone cold from beyond the arc in the past two games, not attempting a three against Tennessee Tech and missing all five of his attempts on Tuesday night.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Nov. 2025
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The National Institutes of Health has tips for managing symptoms, including limiting alcohol and caffeine, and maintaining a healthy body weight.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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