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
-
Morgan Stanley currently doesn't crack the top-10 list of ETF issuers, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence, and commands fewer assets in the space than newcomers such as Neos Investments, which got its start in 2022.—
Vildana Hajric Bloomberg,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
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Actual firepower, sources say, is controlled by Army Chief Domingo Hernández Lárez, who commands the operational units capable of sustained combat.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
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
-
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
-
The Kings went into the halftime break with a 58-46 lead and a 22-5 advantage in fastbreak points.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
While strolling in New York City, Katie Holmes went for a casual vibe in baggy black jeans with a light jacket and a crossbody bag, while Jennifer Garner's pair had a touch of subtle elegance with gold-tone hardware.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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
-
The school’s principal, Erin Kamradt, wrote a letter to parents about Linda's disappearance.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Horizon Line principals are Damian Lee and Bennet De Brabandere, whose features as producer, writer or director include Ski School, National Lampoon’s Last Resort, A Dark Truth, Hearts of War and A Fighting Man.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
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
-
One pro tip is to pack a clean Eclipser Hoody in your pack to change into at the end of a hike for cooling comfort on the drive home.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
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Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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