leading man

noun

Definition of leading mannext
as in leading lady

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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 man Douglas, Zemeckis, and Turner scrambled to shoot some new material that fleshed out the two main characters and added some comedy, and the result was Zemeckis’ first hit as a director and Douglas’ as a leading man. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026 That path from leading man to auteur is a familiar one in Hollywood, with notables like Warren Beatty, Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner establishing themselves as major directors without stepping away from leading in their own films. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 The romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama (2002), opposite Reese Witherspoon, restored his standing as a leading man in film. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 The longtime leading man has learned that the perks only go so far. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading man
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading man
leading lady
Noun
  • Fellow singer-songwriter Amber Mark coifed her hair and sported a suit to channel Penny’s love interest, Seaweed, while Carpenter’s bestie Paloma Sandoval channeled leading lady Tracy Turnblad.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The show’s leading lady, Clare Foster, also earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of leading lady

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leading lady
leading man
leading men
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Cite this Entry

“Leading man.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20man. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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