1
as in to steer
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to command
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
4
5
as in to guide
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
1
as in principal
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
the actor's career has really taken off since he became the lead in that prime-time drama
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distance
the space or amount of space between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
the runner maintained a lead of several meters all the way around the track
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tip
a piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert
my sister got a lead on the job opening from her neighbor, who is the human resources director for the company
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in cue
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation)
the police are now working on several leads generated by the evidence gathered at the crime scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in leading
highest in rank or authority
the lead diplomat is responsible for making policy for the entire embassy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lead
Alex Ritman, Variety, 18 May 2026
Lush landscaping, punctuated by sculptures included in the sale, leads down to a 60-foot lap pool and a grassy lawn.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 May 2026
David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
The lead vessel of a new class of warships has historically cost much more than planned.
—Tony Capaccio, Fortune, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
On hand to lead the celebrations were the Karlovy Vary chair Krystof Mucha and artistic director Karel Och, plus Jakub Havrlant, whose Rockaway Arts is the majority owner of the festival.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 18 May 2026
Lush landscaping, punctuated by sculptures included in the sale, leads down to a 60-foot lap pool and a grassy lawn.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 May 2026
Adjective
Although Smith and Santana aren’t named in the film and weren’t involved in its production, the lawsuit claims that Santana was serving as the lead detective assigned to the real case, and Smith was the sergeant who supervised the investigative team.
—David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
The lead vessel of a new class of warships has historically cost much more than planned.
—Tony Capaccio, Fortune, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
In the 90th minute, Adrian Marin delivered a driving cross into the box, and Martín Ojeda got just enough of his head on the ball to steer it home, sealing the dramatic victory.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
-
Instead, the cabinet secretary taking the lead on steering the world’s most consequential bilateral ties has been Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who met his Chinese counterpart in Seoul ahead of the summit in Beijing.—
Steven Jiang,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Imai hasn’t commanded his arsenal against anyone, but his inability to neutralize lefties has been of particular concern to team officials.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
In that scenario, the Nebraska players would have a more compelling legal argument that a change in legal interpretation of the House settlement commands a court to vacate the arbitration decision.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Turning my head, sitting, breathing—they all were accompanied by lightning strikes diffused through my body.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
-
These initiatives reflect the massive adoption of AI that should be accompanied by guarding the state residents against the serious risk of hallucination.—
Mohamed Suliman,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
Matching the anything-goes vibe that flows through the resort, the breezy restaurant pavilion is merely a suggestion—ordering lunch or dinner to your private terrace, a candlelit table on the beach, or one of the dozen-or-so secret seating nooks scattered around the property is actively encouraged.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Rodgers, 42, guided the Steelers to an AFC North title last year, throwing for 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.—
Will Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
-
Its document generation tools guide founders through complex legal processes step by step, reducing errors and ensuring completeness.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
McCray was indicted for manslaughter and principal to felony hazing, and Thurman was indicted for principal to felony hazing and three counts of obstruction of justice.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
Duncan’s daughter attends a private high school that so reliably sends its students to Stanford that even its principal isn’t above committing a bit of fraud to insure her own daughter’s place there.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Designed by Chilean architect Felipe Assadi, the 14 villas and main lodge, constructed from native lenga wood, are indistinguishable from the treeline at a distance, a design feature that reflects the immersive ethos at the heart of the hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Located near the lakefront and within walking distance of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, the opening places a major national moment directly inside the communities that have long carried Black Chicago’s cultural and political history.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
From pantry staples and frozen favorites to snacks and sweets, customers regularly swap tips online about which ALDI dupes are worth adding to their carts.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
18 May 2026
-
Information leaks can unsettle customers and staff, tip off competitors or complicate your options.—
ByMike McIsaac CPA,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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