1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
they are the leading suppliers of processed meat in the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commanding
highest in rank or authority
served as the leading counsel on the defendant's legal team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in guiding
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in heading
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
as in accompanying
to be at the front of
the local high school's marching band led the parade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in showing
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leading
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
The Wolverines' leading scorer, Yaxel Lendeborg, had 13 points and two rebounds.
—CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026
Guardians starter Parker Messick had the Braves’ number Saturday at Truist Park, leading his team to a 6-0 victory.
—Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
Although she’s considered one of today’s most recognizable leading ladies, Jenna Ortega was ready to throw in the towel after her days as a child actor.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
The Wolverines' leading scorer, Yaxel Lendeborg, had 13 points and two rebounds.
—CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Dodgers entered Saturday with the best record in MLB and leading the National League in several offensive categories, and the Texas Rangers continued to add kindling to the fire.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026
Guardians starter Parker Messick had the Braves’ number Saturday at Truist Park, leading his team to a 6-0 victory.
—Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
Shuttle services have been arranged to transport journalists between the media center and a hotel in the city’s main shopping mall.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
But the leak appeared to get worse when the service module fired its main engine for the translunar injection burn on Day 2 of the flight, according to Amit Kshatriya, NASA’s associate administrator.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Raman had a commanding lead in a field of five major candidates, with 33% of voters supporting her, while Bass trailed at 17%.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
At 132 feet, the 40P is larger and more commanding, offering additional space and slightly flashier features.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But Avalon Waterways has culinary cruises that amp it up a notch with samples of regional cuisine, demonstrations, special dinners, and a Master of Wine on board guiding wine and food pairings and tastings.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Crews will continue to work into the night securing the capsule and guiding it back to the Murtha, which is expected to reach Naval Base San Diego early Saturday.—
Noah Haggerty,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Let’s start by heading to the classroom for just a minute.—
Caleb Jacobs,
The Drive,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Those newcomers, along with a few returning backups in Connor Meadows, Camp Lott and Owen Spell, give the Knights their core group heading into the 2026 season.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Twelve courts have ruled, on motions to dismiss, that plaintiffs have sufficiently pleaded that these companies’ products constitute credit and that their accompanying fees are subject to the act’s protections.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Kids who loved CoComelon will enjoy accompanying Dora on her adventures through the rainforest.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The joint Real Housewives of Atlanta alums are extending their buzzy Queen & King of Reality Tour with stops in Birmingham, Tampa, Dallas and Houston, to take place this May and June, The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively reveal.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Apr. 2026
-
So Delta decided to up the ante with its new design, extending the lie-flat bed by more than three inches for even more comfort—for a total of six-and-a-half feet of space when fully extended.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Stunning photos taken by the crew were released on Tuesday, April 7, one day after their loop around the moon, showing spectacular views and a solar eclipse in space.—
Mark Osborne,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Visit the product recall page on the company's website to register for the recall and follow the instructions on how to request replacement parts, which include uploading a photo showing the original attachment accessories in the trash.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Spoelstra said referee Curtis Blair was closest to the play, with lead official Zach Zarba also positioned to intervene.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Hidden streaks of fat hiding between and within muscle fibers can signal serious health problems, said Akkaya, the lead author of a new study that analyzed how ultraprocessed food impacts intramuscular fat in people at risk for knee osteoporosis.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
