Definition of leadingnext
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leading

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verb

present participle of lead
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2
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
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
Have a marathon and admire the incredible stunt choreography and charismatic leading-man work from Keanu Reeves. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Many on Wall Street think the appeal is less about safety and more about establishing anti-competitive protections that will steer the industry toward a duopoly comprising the leading proprietary model makers, Anthropic and OpenAI. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Rookie Brian Schwake finished with two saves for Eastern Conference-leading Nashville (20-3-7), which would have clinched the Supporters' Shield with a victory. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 Thompson’s outside shooting will be important in helping create space for the Heat’s leading duo of Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
  • Spray bottle on bottom shelf of main prep table lacking label information.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Through the program, this year’s Rising Stars will connect with industry leaders and take part in the festival’s main activities, from panel discussions and media engagements to the red carpet.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Wembanyama, for his part, is eager to become a more commanding voice on the defensive end.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Kirkwood had a commanding lead before Palou's spin caused a caution.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Acting was his guiding passion, but his deep love for the avant-garde helped till the ground for the city’s theatrical renaissance that the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival catalyzed.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • That conviction is guiding the $385 billion Abu Dhabi fund on its investment decisions.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The storm then roared into Alabama with tropical-force winds before heading farther north.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Mel Ismail, a 56-year-old father, was rescued by another surfer who just happened to show up at the beach and was willing to risk his own life by grabbing his board and heading towards the bloody water.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • With less than two years until the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, serious questions remain about funding and coordination for the Cultural Olympiad, the arts and culture program accompanying the Games.
    — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Anton Corbijn directed the accompanying video filmed in the California desert, which satirizes U2 as a religious cult in which women do all the heavy lifting.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Dimitris Ampatzidis, maritime risk and compliance manager at Kpler, said the attacks underscored Iran's continuing ability to threaten commercial vessels, with the risks extending beyond oil and gas transportation.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For most of my career, accelerating a road map usually meant adding people, extending timelines or reducing scope.
    — Luis Aburto, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Frieze London will mark his third fair this year after last showing at one in January 2020.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Al Hassan remembers showing a group of visitors TAMM’s feature for taking pictures and reporting potholes.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The primary danger of these apps is not the fees associated with using just one, Feltner noted.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The bill was introduced over a year ago, and its primary backer was the late Lindsey Graham, a veteran Republican senator who represented South Carolina.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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