lead 1 of 3

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to accompany
to be at the front of the local high school's marching band led the parade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to go
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction this old road leads to an abandoned quarry

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5

lead

2 of 3

noun

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

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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

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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

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4

lead

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lead contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lead are engineer, guide, pilot, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When is engineer a more appropriate choice than lead?

The words engineer and lead can be used in similar contexts, but engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan.

engineered his son's election to the governorship

When might guide be a better fit than lead?

While in some cases nearly identical to lead, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

When would pilot be a good substitute for lead?

The words pilot and lead are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

In what contexts can steer take the place of lead?

In some situations, the words steer and lead are roughly equivalent. However, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

Example Sentences

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 lead
Verb
Soto again leads by a wide margin, according to Fangraphs statistics, 158 to 137 for Guerrero. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 Protect him from trouble & lead him toward understanding & respect for all people. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
In making his ruling, however, U.S. District Judge Manish Shah left intact the convictions on a number of other counts, including the lead count of conspiracy and charges alleging the defendants cooked ComEd’s books to hide the scheme. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 While the project itself did not perform well in America, the lead single has become a quick win. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
  • In his new position at Disney, Cripps will steer the overall global theatrical distribution of all Walt Disney Studios labels including Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studio, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Understandably, some folks prefer to steer clear of body butters for many reasons: a super-heavy feel, a longer period of absorption, and a greasy film on your skin.
    Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Edwards signed a two-year deal with the Chargers last offseason and was due to command $4.25 million of the salary cap.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The way their needs stack up, they may be tempted to spend free-agency dollars, premium draft capital or both on positions that typically do not command such resources.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The palate has a notable sweetness accompanied by red and black fruit notes, a crisp acidity, and a backbone of ripe tannins.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Fasting may also be accompanied by a more serious study of the Quran throughout the month.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Vikings went undefeated in the DuKane Conference and won a regional title.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Fox’s counterpart in the blockbuster trade, Zach LaVine, scored a game-high 36 points while going 7-of-11 from 3-point range.
    Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The same link above will guide you to what Amazon is selling, with the same $100 price drop, which is the same as a 23% discount on the pricier larger model.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • But Trump’s belief, his hunch, that Putin can be trusted and wants peace, is now guiding US policy, and rewriting America’s role in the largest war in Europe since the 1940s.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Zaim is the current U.S. Consulting Leader and former national managing principal of the Advisory practice.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The 47-year-old, who changed his name to Ye, has agreed to conditional settlements this week with former assistant principal Isaiah Meadows and teachers Cecilia Hailey, Chekarey Byers, and Timanii Meeks, who all sued West in 2023.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Raffael Cerqueira via knockout at 2:12 of Round 1 (Punches to head at distance) UFC Seattle took place at Climate Pledge Arena.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Here are tips from the utility: Remove aerators and screens from all faucets.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Image Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.
    Danielle Pergament Nick Ballón, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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