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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF, October 27-November 5) has unveiled its full line-up, including its main competition section, with world premieres from leading filmmakers such as Rithy Panh, Amos Gitai, Chong Keat Aun and Zhang Lu.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
She's already lined up a few projects, including a lead role on the USA series Anna Pigeon.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
Trump used to attack Qatar as a leading supporter of terrorism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF, October 27-November 5) has unveiled its full line-up, including its main competition section, with world premieres from leading filmmakers such as Rithy Panh, Amos Gitai, Chong Keat Aun and Zhang Lu.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
For every provider in the United States, there are 320 people, said Maddy Reinert, lead author of the report and senior director of population health at MHA, speaking in the news briefing.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
She's already lined up a few projects, including a lead role on the USA series Anna Pigeon.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
Republicans, aware of that history, are trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, leaving the door open to discuss the health care issue with Democrats later — once the government has reopened.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
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Hers is a banger about fractured trust and power struggles with a man who once steered her career.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Trump opts to join Hegseth's pep talk to commanding generals.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
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But Verse, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, is proving stout against the run and is commanding the attention with double teams and chips of a team’s top edge rusher, which has opened up Byron Young to notch five sacks through the first three games.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Residents here have above average educational backgrounds and the higher incomes that accompany them.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Permits are invalid unless they are accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection from an accredited veterinarian indicating that the animal is free of disease.—
Lillian Metzmeier,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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So if this plan goes into effect, the question of who makes up the Palestinian technocratic administration might certainly be one of the main stumbling blocks.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
30 Sep. 2025
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Lock up your ticket and go hide.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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An army of around 200 volunteers from the church and several charities were making food, picking up trash, guiding guests and MC'ing dance showcases, said Mary Cantrell, who has been a key organizer since 1993.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Oct. 2025
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So long as Gabriel can avoid critical mistakes and turnovers that marred Joe Flacco's four-game stint as Cleveland's starter, the rookie should have a chance to keep the Browns in this contest and guide them to a second win over NFC North competition.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Bonilla claimed Steven Hogan, the school’s principal, told her in a meeting that she was not allowed to work at the school while serving as a surrogate.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
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After a week-long nomination period, The Tennessean received four responses from guidance counselors, coaches, teachers and principals.—
Gabrielle Chenault,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement The quake’s epicenter was shallow, only some 5 km below the surface, which means its energy needed to travel less distance before hitting infrastructure.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
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More observations are coming Hundreds of scientists are now measuring dark energy by studying millions of galaxies and the distances between them.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The same bill has tax breaks for overtime, tips, and Social Security income, which mirror recent changes at the federal level and were pushed for by Hall.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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