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
Kristina Banahan, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Lellouche stars as unlikely hero Zem, a disillusioned Zone 3 cop with an idealistic militant past, who is teamed with haughty, high-flying Zone 2 officer Salia, played by Adèle Exarchopoulos, after a leading politician is assassinated in Zone 1.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
Between the first and second decade that the researchers investigated, climate change made the heatwaves climb from being 20 times more likely to 200 times more likely, according to lead author Yann Quilcaille, a climate researcher at ETH Zurich.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
In Cape Ann League action, Reilly Tassinari recorded four points (two goals, two assists) and Kiersten Higgins added three points (two goals, one assist) to lead North Reading to a 5-1 victory over Triton.
—Kristina Banahan, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Lellouche stars as unlikely hero Zem, a disillusioned Zone 3 cop with an idealistic militant past, who is teamed with haughty, high-flying Zone 2 officer Salia, played by Adèle Exarchopoulos, after a leading politician is assassinated in Zone 1.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
He is best known for being the lead singer of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
Between the first and second decade that the researchers investigated, climate change made the heatwaves climb from being 20 times more likely to 200 times more likely, according to lead author Yann Quilcaille, a climate researcher at ETH Zurich.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
Other patrons saw us with cell phones — an immense luxury at the time — and steered clear of us.—
Martin Suarez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Putting structures in place keeps emotions from steering decisions off course.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
One day, visitors would be able to ascend the tower and enjoy a commanding view of sprawling Barcelona.—
D. T. Max,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
-
That means that at exit those brands are likely to command stronger multiples.—
Gary Occhiogrosso,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The First 70 Years contains impeccable research and analysis, accompanied by fascinating photos of the sets, film crews, and casts.—
Michael Taube,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Analyst Gil Luria accompanied the move by raising his price target to $210 per share from $195.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Lucky went 1,500 days in the shelter without being adopted, then everything changed.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Before all that happened, though, there was the eight-course dinner, which went totally fine as predicted.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The museum guides visitors through Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Islamic, and other global belief systems before culminating in the Buddhist 10 Courts of Hell.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
-
This discovery not only changes our understanding of lunar geology but could also guide future missions to regions where the moon’s surface is still active.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Like Einbinder, she's been nominated for all four seasons of Abbott Elementary for her role as inept school principal Ava Coleman.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Such a short distance is considered well within reach of a basic marksman.—
Will Carless,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Jordan Morgan started at left guard and went the distance, while Anthony Belton and Darian Kennard alternated at right tackle.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For hair that’s been through the ringer, the treatment mask repairs damage from root to tip, the inside out, and the outside in—regardless of hair type or texture.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
At the last tip meeting, Kerry congratulates his crew on a job well done.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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