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
Josh Robbins, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
According to some studies, PE is the second leading cause of death among patients with cancer after the cancer itself.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
William Guillory, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
He was nominated in 2003 for leading roles in Mystic River and 21 Grams, while in 2008, he was again nominated for his work in Milk.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
Franz Wagner, the Magic’s co-leading scorer and one of the team’s best defenders, will be out indefinitely because of persistent soreness in his left ankle, a team source told The Athletic.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
According to some studies, PE is the second leading cause of death among patients with cancer after the cancer itself.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Saturday’s loss marked the fourth time this season the Rockets blew a game after leading by double digits in the fourth quarter.
—William Guillory, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
He was nominated in 2003 for leading roles in Mystic River and 21 Grams, while in 2008, he was again nominated for his work in Milk.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
Udmurtia’s main passenger airport, in the city of Izhevsk, and airports in nearby regions suspended operations early Saturday, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In that way, the end of his main career will allow his side-gig to become his new, full-time job.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In an indictment Thursday, federal prosecutors said Kevin Taylor attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward the company, SaferWatch, while serving as the commanding officer of the department's School Safety Division.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The President demoted Greg Bovino, the commanding agent in charge of the roving patrols that have besieged Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The problem here is that the guiding principle is clearly not a scientific or rigorous one.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Ivey shied away from expressing how Thursday’s game — or further lack of playing time — could affect his feelings toward the Bulls in free agency, repeatedly turning to his faith as a guiding post among uncertainty on the court.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And while their place in the NCAA tournament is presumably safe heading into that final stretch, where the Trojans are seeded could swing significantly with a few quality wins.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Tara Lipinski, the 1998 Olympic gold medalist and NBC Olympics figure skating analyst, says Alysa Liu, who is in third place heading into the free skate behind Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, has a path to a gold medal.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The deranged demeanor accompanying her rude responses under oath deserves an Oscar nomination in the cringe and horror categories.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The sudden flood of oxytocin accompanying the onset of the drug produces feelings of emotional communion, oneness, and openness.—
Erica Rex,
STAT,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
By extending the life cycle of creative equipment, MPB actively reduces waste and the carbon footprint of the photo and video industry — proving that used doesn’t mean used up.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The flower buds may not open all at once, extending the blooming period.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
During a singing performance, its facial expressions appeared strikingly lifelike, showing how expressive robotics continues to evolve.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Meanwhile, this may be showing kids that mental and emotional health are no less important than physical health.—
Sarah Cottrell,
Parents,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The series’ above-the-line cost underwent downward correction toward the end of last season when Angela Bassett’s co-lead, Peter Krause, exited.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
-
To the puzzlement of Kelly and the other band members, though, that music rarely included Dead material, and at the start, Weir declined to recruit a lead guitarist to play similar parts to Garcia’s.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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