Definition of leadingnext
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leading

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verb

present participle of lead
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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

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as in extending
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction this old road leads to an abandoned quarry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Adjective
On September 14, Matthew Rhys made Emmys history twice, becoming the first person to win two awards for leading roles during the same ceremony and the first performer to win in all three leading categories. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 What will the Heat’s new leading duo of center Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo look like? — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
Through two weeks, Kelce was leading the NFL in yards after the catch. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026 With the team’s leading wide receiver in Caleb Douglas out after suffering an ankle injury, there was a need for somebody to step out. — Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
  • Construction of the project’s main underground access portal began in February 2026.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
  • This, Rostov’s main thoroughfare, wasn’t illuminated by the familiar bright glare of its many street lamps, or by light from its windows, now blacked out, but emerged from the darkness all the more gently in a milky cloak of moonlight.
    — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Kirkwood had a commanding lead before Palou's spin caused a caution.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Adrián Marín set up the play with his pass to Tiago as Orlando took what seemed to be a commanding lead in the second half.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The guiding principle is an 80/20 sourcing philosophy that means just 20% of the food is imported while 80% is from the archipelago.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The country's guiding principles are, and always have been, the principles of the Declaration.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There is a lot to see that’s new besides fashion heading down the runways.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in southwest England on September 27 after police received a report about three suspicious vans heading toward the air base.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The footage was captured on July 24, according to an ESA statement accompanying the image, just two weeks after SMILE's ultraviolet imager was switched on, offering an exciting first taste of the science to come.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Kelly Saco and Jeremy Tache won’t be accompanying the team from FanDuel to WPLG.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Abercrombie Kids’ Baby & Toddler Collection adds newborn through 5T sizing after shoppers asked for smaller sizes, extending the brand into another stage of its customers’ lives.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The chain’s restaurants were leased back to it under a 25-year master lease, which included 2% annual escalators, extending until the early 2040s, according to the initial deal terms.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Radar is showing showers extending from Arizona through Minnesota and up in to Canada all the way as north as Moosonee, Ontario.
    — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The paper also obtained a video showing Rodriguez speaking with parents at a baseball field.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The war crimes that were brought to the fore on the stage by Macklemore’s speech are the ones that should be the primary focus.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Simmons made some phenomenal throws all over the field, including to his primary receiver, Cayden Lee.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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