LEADING ON Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

leading on

verb

present participle of lead on

as in tempting

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage a con man whose dupes are usually led on by their own greed and eagerness to turn an easy buck

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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 on By passing Section 106, the Commonwealth can show that leading on AI innovation and leading on responsible oversight are one and the same. — Jesse Rothman, Boston Herald, 17 July 2026 By 101 measures, Los Angeles is one of the great cities of the world and California has built the world’s fourth-largest economy while leading on climate change, so apocalyptic diagnoses are a bit off the mark. — Steve Lopez columnist follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 Henning is a Managing Director at Glossary Artists, leading on talent strategy, brand partnerships, and long-term career growth for creators and talent from entertainment and digital media. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026 Maryland is leading on this issue. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026 And, a year ago, Republicans were the ones leading on the congressional ballot, showing just how much the landscape has shifted in Democrats' favor. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026 Being Different means standing apart - leading on innovation and setting trends. — Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Formichetti has previously held roles at Mugler, Diesel and Uniqlo, leading on artistic and creative direction. — Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025 America, after years of leading on tech and economic growth, is cutting itself off from global trade to protect manufacturing jobs few actually want to do. — Renaud Foucart, Time, 28 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading on

Verb

At the same time, Jupiter’s opposition to Pluto retrograde reminds us that ambition without self-awareness can inevitably cloud our judgment, tempting us to overextend ourselves in the relentless pursuit of success.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
As the attacker brings the ball forward, Tielemans, from a screening role, bides his time, tempting the attacker forward before jumping in to win the ball.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 July 2026

Definition of tempting

Verb

Baden-Baden has been a spa town since ancient times, luring Roman-era nobles to take the waters there at its natural springs in the Black Forest.

— Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
The first involves fraudulent FBI profiles and fake pages on social media sites, luring victims to the cloned IC3 sites, but with a twist.

— Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of luring

Verb

Fedorov’s ode to his own victories as defense minister on X might be aimed at persuading Zelensky to reverse his being fired, but not at challenging Zelensky for the presidency in a future race, Dickinson says.

— Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Major carriers, most notably and successfully United and Delta Air Lines, have spent years persuading customers to pay more for tickets by investing in much improved services.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 19 July 2026