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
-
After his 21 goals had helped steer John Mousinho’s side to the League One title the previous season, Bishop reported for pre-season in high spirits and in peak physical shape ahead of his first campaign in the Championship.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Investors ought to steer clear of Beyond Meat due to weakening consumer demand for alternative meat products, analysts from Mizuho said after the stock rocketed higher earlier this week.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The program does not rely on a single host, though Stewart, who left the program in 2015, and returned to it in 2024, commands much of the spotlight.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
-
However, neither Chubb, nor Douglas could command the type of trade asset Phillips brought.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
3 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
-
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
-
Its share price collapsed a few months after going public, losing a third of its value since the start of the year before Monday's news.—
NPR,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The honks of wild Canada geese, for instance, fresh out of the Arctic and now high in the clouds going south, signal a change in seasons for me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Using floppy modes—motions requiring almost no resistance—can guide predictable deformations, allowing materials to perform computations efficiently.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The star quarterback guided the team on a 12-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a Josh Jacobs touchdown run.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Led by principal Amy Driggers-Janof, the firm specializes in residential architecture, building dream homes for clients across the varied landscape of the Pacific Northwest.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Already, the mother of the child who shot Zwerner has been sentenced to two years in prison for child neglect, the school board voted out the superintendent and the principal was reassigned to another school.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN Money,
3 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
-
Here are nine essential tips cabin crew members say will make your flying experience all the better.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.—
Christian Orozco,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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