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.
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Recent Examples of leading
Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
While several ambitious Democratic governors emerged as leading voices of opposition to the administration, Whitmer adopted a more conciliatory approach, emphasizing cooperation with the White House on issues affecting Michigan.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Mariska Hargitay is now leading the show after making her Broadway debut on Tuesday, May 26.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
Read on to see how this challenge takes shape across functions and industries — and how leading companies are responding.
—Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
While several ambitious Democratic governors emerged as leading voices of opposition to the administration, Whitmer adopted a more conciliatory approach, emphasizing cooperation with the White House on issues affecting Michigan.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Verb
Take a retired superintendent in my neighborhood who channels decades of leadership into community impact — serving on a childcare center board, leading a children's choir, and volunteering at a local health program.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Mariska Hargitay is now leading the show after making her Broadway debut on Tuesday, May 26.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
Kevin Cook, the venue’s main host and inarguably the reigning queen of drag in Portland.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Pashinyan’s main rival is the Strong Armenia Party, which wants closer business ties with Russia and accuses Pashinyan of attempting to spark a war with Moscow.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento took a commanding lead in the race for the District 2 seat on the OC Board of Supervisors as results were released following the close of polls Tuesday night.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
3 June 2026
-
Ellis is the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson in Colorado.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Once deployed, Pegasus will be monitored from Earth, with teams in Colorado guiding operations in real time.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
The incident has deepened concerns about the safety of Nepali workers on the mountain, which has seen an explosion of commercial guiding outfitters in recent years.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
The man was heading home when two men pulled him over on the 110 Freeway onramp from Redondo Beach Boulevard, according to the plea agreement.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
Now 25, Woods Richardson is heading back to Toronto, acquired by the Blue Jays on Wednesday in a trade for cash considerations.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Thapanee and her siblings grew up observing their parents in action, often accompanying them to business meetings.—
Kevin Lim,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
-
The wispy tendril of smoke keeps the mosquitoes at bay and simultaneously smells like your best indoor candle, with notes of jasmine and salt air—a perfect accompanying scent for a summertime supper on the patio.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Topline Oracle shares hit a 2026 intraday high Monday, extending a furious late-May rally that has recast the database pioneer as a marquee AI-infrastructure player and boosted the fortune of cofounder Larry Ellison, who holds roughly 40% of the company.—
Alicia Park,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Israel’s capture of Beaufort, which sits atop a ridge roughly 2,352 feet above sea level, grants it fire-control views of important highways over the Litani River and territories extending into Israel and Syria.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
On the front of the card was a scan of his brain showing the tumor on it.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Bloomberg reported there had been complaints of Manifold showing aggressive behavior toward employees and mishandling sensitive information.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Each operation runs on a multi-agent system—a lead agent functioning as a mechanical CEO, with sub-agents handling procurement, customer communications, and logistics.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
-
Her prior credits include Fox’s Gotham, CBS’ The Equilizer, and the lead role in the TNT medical drama Hawthorne.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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