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
Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
28 June 2026
The World Cup’s all-time leading scorer and leading goalscorer for the 2026 tournament will be available as a substitution and is expected to make an appearance in the second half.
—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 June 2026
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
28 June 2026
If industry-leading iron capabilities have by then shifted to Arkansas and the South, northwest Indiana will lose its automotive steel dominance, said Jack Weinberg, a former steelworker and a technical adviser to the Gary advocacy group.
—
John Lippert,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
Because the report offers forward-looking commentary from industry sources, it’s referred to as a leading indicator.
—
Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
28 June 2026
The World Cup’s all-time leading scorer and leading goalscorer for the 2026 tournament will be available as a substitution and is expected to make an appearance in the second half.
—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 June 2026
Verb
Nano Nuclear is a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions.
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
28 June 2026
If industry-leading iron capabilities have by then shifted to Arkansas and the South, northwest Indiana will lose its automotive steel dominance, said Jack Weinberg, a former steelworker and a technical adviser to the Gary advocacy group.
—
John Lippert,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
Because Swift has no docking ports or grappling fixtures to grab onto, Katalyst built its 880-pound, 5-foot tall LINK spacecraft with a custom robotic capture mechanism that will attach to a feature on the satellite’s main structure.
-
One of the festival’s main attractions is the FIFA store, an 8,000-square-foot indoor facility on the east side of the grounds.
Adjective
-
And beyond all the light and magic of their goals, this was just a very commanding team performance.
-
The venue falls within the NYPD's Patrol Borough Manhattan South, whose commanding officer was reassigned last week amid an internal affairs corruption probe.
Verb
-
Gemini asked guiding questions in 76% of its messages and gave a straight answer 2% of the time.
-
That balance between comedy and horror became the guiding principle for the production.
Verb
-
The economic fallout of the Iran conflict is having major implications heading into a midterm election in which control of Congress is at stake.
-
Several large merchant ships used the southern route on Sunday heading for ports in the Gulf, according to ship tracking service Marine Traffic.
Verb
-
The idea was to reflect girlhood through different periods of American history, showing the changes and similarities in books and their accompanying dolls and historically accurate outfits.
-
The oversized Route 66 sign accompanying the treat is perfect for a selfie background, and the statue is located next to the Rich & Creamy Ice Cream Shop.
Verb
-
Gilles Pélisson has been unanimously reelected as president of Unifrance for a second three-year term, extending his mandate at the helm of the French film and TV promotion body.
-
Advertisements extending beyond traditional commercial breaks to include live presenter endorsements and real-time odds promotions have sparked a fresh wave of indignation, with politicians across the political spectrum calling for tighter controls.
Verb
-
The idea was to reflect girlhood through different periods of American history, showing the changes and similarities in books and their accompanying dolls and historically accurate outfits.
-
What started as a small barbecue competition with 12 teams has become a 44-year tradition with more than 100 teams showing up and showing out at the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle.
Adjective
-
Roughly two-thirds of American households own their primary residence, according to the Federal Survey of Consumer Finances from 2022, the most recent edition.
-
The capacity of the primary viewing area at the Washington Monument is set at about 150,000, according to Secret Service Special Agent in Charge David Yamen, who runs the agency's dignitary protective division.
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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