leading 1 of 2

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leading

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verb

present participle of lead
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2
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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

4
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

5

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
In fact, the CDC lists Listeria as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., with 1,600 people infected and about 260 deaths each year. Moná Thomas, People.com, 3 July 2025 Fentanyl, which has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans in recent years, is the nation's leading cause of death for those between the ages of 18 and 49, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2025
Verb
They’ve also been accused of taunting Alex for two days in a row, leading him to cover his ears and rock back and forth in anxiety. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025 Since the prospectors were going her way, the three left town together, with the men on foot, leading the mules. Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
  • These tickets have to be redeemed at the Florida Lottery main office in Tallahassee or one of the district offices.
    David J. Neal July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
  • The Michigan woman’s family told PEOPLE that one particular food — the potato — is a main contributing factor to her living a long life.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Five minutes later, an own goal by Inter Miami defender Tomas Aviles, who was subbed into the match in the 19th minute, gave PSG a commanding 3-0 lead.
    Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • The Democratic Socialist state Assembly member defied expectations and took a commanding lead in Tuesday's New York City mayoral primary.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Alvarez drops to receive Almada’s pass before guiding it first time to Fernandez.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Once all that information is gathered, AI algorithms can sift through it at lightning speed, guiding scientists to smarter experiments and faster drug development.
    Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Weezer recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Blue Album, along with an accompanying tour and festival circuit.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Like most wireless cameras, the P1 Max is easy to install and requires only a few screws and a few minutes of time in the accompanying app.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What matters is that Dan Hurley’s team won, extending its tournament winning streak to 13 games — and, most importantly, keeping alive its dream of a three-peat.
    Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • By extending the narrative beyond the confines of a talent agency’s office, the series aims to be both a celebration of Madrid’s cultural scene and a reflection of the industry’s inner workings.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Guys weren't expecting to have to do another rebuild this year and their frustration is really showing after the trade a week before training camp has left the team, again, with some odd fitting parts that have to be fitted together on the fly.
    John Hollinger, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Back in October, TMZ reported news of an alleged split between the pair, but shortly after, the couple was spotted in Tokyo showing much love and affection to one another.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The cooling station — a partnership among Gastonia, Gaston County and HealthNet Gaston, the lead agency for the county’s continuum of care — opened Friday after the community raised concerns about the need for a place for the unhoused to escape the heat.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • The track, which was released in May and premiered its music video on May 8, is the lead single from the R&B singer’s upcoming fourth studio album, according to Billboard.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But Warren also gave off the impression he will be heavily involved in steering everything.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Social media has flipped the power dynamic, turning memes into tools for steering these rivalries.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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