as in leading
to serve as leader of
unofficially at least, Martin Luther King spearheaded the civil rights movement
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Recent Examples of spearheading
White is credited with spearheading the Healthy Jackson County program, which launched in 2021 in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, University Health and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
—
Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Delrahim was the the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the DOJ from 2017-2021 and is known in media circles for spearheading the government’s opposition to the AT&T-Time Warner merger after it was announced in 2016.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
In response, Newsom is spearheading his own redistricting effort in California that could give Democrats up to five new seats in the 2026 midterms.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
While primarily utilized as a winger during his career, Dembélé often played down the middle for Luis Enrique’s side, spearheading a fluent and formidable front three, flanked by the dynamic Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
—David Close, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Some of the loudest applause was reserved for Long (81-38 at SDSU), who is the Aztecs’ second-winningest coach behind Don Coryell (104-19-2), who is fondly remembered for spearheading one of the most successful decades in program history.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Locally, nonprofit organizations are busy spearheading planning and signing up volunteers for dozens of cleanup sites both inland and at the coast in Orange County.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 17 Sep. 2025
At the end of September, the boycott organizers will be spearheading a 48-hour takeover on Radio Alhara, a station located in the occupied West Bank.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2025
Iran and Egypt are spearheading new calls for a NATO-style alliance in the Middle East as their leaders gather in Qatar on Monday for an emergency summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Delrahim was the the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the DOJ from 2017-2021 and is known in media circles for spearheading the government’s opposition to the AT&T-Time Warner merger after it was announced in 2016.
—Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
In response, Newsom is spearheading his own redistricting effort in California that could give Democrats up to five new seats in the 2026 midterms.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
While primarily utilized as a winger during his career, Dembélé often played down the middle for Luis Enrique’s side, spearheading a fluent and formidable front three, flanked by the dynamic Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
—David Close, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Some of the loudest applause was reserved for Long (81-38 at SDSU), who is the Aztecs’ second-winningest coach behind Don Coryell (104-19-2), who is fondly remembered for spearheading one of the most successful decades in program history.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Locally, nonprofit organizations are busy spearheading planning and signing up volunteers for dozens of cleanup sites both inland and at the coast in Orange County.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 17 Sep. 2025
At the end of September, the boycott organizers will be spearheading a 48-hour takeover on Radio Alhara, a station located in the occupied West Bank.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2025
Iran and Egypt are spearheading new calls for a NATO-style alliance in the Middle East as their leaders gather in Qatar on Monday for an emergency summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spearheading
Verb
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The latest Co/Efficient poll, conducted September 22—23, showed Spanberger leading by six points, 49—43 percent.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
His comments come as the right-wing party Reform UK appears to be leading in the polls.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As Variety recently reported, Indonesian cinema has achieved a remarkable market reversal, with local films now commanding the dominant box office position over Hollywood imports.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Sep. 2025
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His commanding position could mark a significant shift in city politics, especially considering the primary defeat of Cuomo and the presence of high-profile opponents such as incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spearheading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spearheading. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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