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
Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
His unwavering fealty to the president and destruction of institutional norms should disqualify him from leading the only agency with its foundation -- foundational virtue in its name.
—ABC News, 7 June 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
Kawata plans to appoint a deputy to fill in during her absence leading the city of nearly 70,000 people, which sits about 285 miles southwest from Tokyo.
—Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
His unwavering fealty to the president and destruction of institutional norms should disqualify him from leading the only agency with its foundation -- foundational virtue in its name.
—ABC News, 7 June 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
-
Starting Towns as the focal point in an attempt to take a commanding 3-1 lead was the right choice considering the team’s postseason success coinciding with his own success.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
-
Laurie will play Control, the fiendish and commanding head of The Circus, Smiley’s morally fickle superior, known only by his code name.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 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
-
Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
-
South Africa was reduced to 10 men just as the second half began when Sphephelo Sithole brought down Brian Gutiérrez, who was heading toward the goal unmarked.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Knicks fans, though, do not seem to be concerned so much with his politics, but that his attendance — and the hoopla accompanying it — could mess up the team’s momentum.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
-
An accompanying photograph shows Glimcher holding the viewer’s gaze, his right hand outstretched on the desk, clenched in a tight fist.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The original 1900 barn has been expanded into a five-bedroom, open-plan home with decks extending from both levels and a 25-foot-tall great room topped by a loft with wood railings.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
8 June 2026
-
Right fielder Jung Hoo Lee stayed white-hot by extending his MLB-leading hitting streak to 15 games with an opposite-field RBI single in the top of the first.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
One customer showing her Dutch pride is Agatha Mills Doboer.—
Dawn White,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
The city, which has grown 61% in the last decade, is now majority minority with census data showing the population as 46% white, 34% Asian, 10% Latino and 10% Black.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
These powerful systems are well-suited for developing and tuning edge models and agents, but are not primary robotics deployment platforms.—
Bill Curtis,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Other highlights include a gym and a plush primary suite flaunting a stainless-steel fireplace.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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