Definition of leadingnext
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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
Zachary Nichols’ Variations on Violence won the German Independence Award for Best Film at this year’s Oldenburg Film Festival, Germany’s leading indie film festival. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 After a one-two finish by Democrats in the governor's primary, some voters were angry when Begich, who finished second, withdrew and endorsed leading vote-getter Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. — Arkansas Online, 21 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 report noted that retailers should treat self-service as an extensible platform and enable support of various applications while guiding the consumer to adoption of the technology.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Surgery is often recommended when the elbow cannot maintain its proper alignment or remains unstable after manually guiding the bones back into place – a non-surgical procedure called a closed reduction.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The most popular guide to field work suggests updating your will before heading into the field.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The truck driver, who police identified only as a 57-year-old man, was heading westbound on East 14th Street and making a right turn onto First Avenue when his vehicle struck the teens.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The two heirs who had signed the contract, meanwhile, received a 16% commission, according to an account statement accompanying the letter.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The sickly scent of alcohol filled the air and, when mixed with accompanying cigar smoke, combined for an odor most might find displeasing.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The fight, Haro said, is about more than extending a lease or delaying an eviction.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • On her feet were strappy, buckle-heavy platform sandals with oversize straps extending off the sides and wrapping around her ankles, with the highest strap wrapping around the tapered jeans.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, journalists monitor dashboards showing which headlines produce outrage and which disappear quietly.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • His research into the Patriots showing a reverse view of kicks behind the goal posts for visiting kickers was absolutely fascinating and has resulted in video board changes across the NFL this year.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Orbit is Flight 14’s primary focus, and only by achieving that milestone can SpaceX move on to clear the rocket’s remaining hurdles.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The primary bedroom overlooks the High Line, with an en-suite bathroom that has a separate soaking tub and glass shower stall.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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