1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
they are the leading suppliers of processed meat in the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commanding
highest in rank or authority
served as the leading counsel on the defendant's legal team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in guiding
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in heading
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
as in accompanying
to be at the front of
the local high school's marching band led the parade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in showing
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of leading
Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
The Heat crushed Butler and the Golden State Warriors 112-86 at Kaseya Center for the second victory of its current three-game winning streak, as Adebayo played a leading role with a game-high 27 points and quality defense on Butler.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
Since the prospectors were going her way, the three left town together, with the men on foot, leading the mules.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
The former Maryland quarterback, the Big Ten’s all-time leading passer who played in the Canadian Football League last year, was also looking for an opportunity in front of NFL eyes — 66 personnel from 31 teams were present.
—Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
The Heat crushed Butler and the Golden State Warriors 112-86 at Kaseya Center for the second victory of its current three-game winning streak, as Adebayo played a leading role with a game-high 27 points and quality defense on Butler.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
They’ve also been accused of taunting Alex for two days in a row, leading him to cover his ears and rock back and forth in anxiety.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
Since the prospectors were going her way, the three left town together, with the men on foot, leading the mules.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
As previously reported, this year’s main competition jury president will be Juliette Binoche, who will oversee the choosing of the Palme d’Or and other festival awards alongside a jury yet to be announced.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The first drop pays homage to Jackson, Wyo., where Season 2 begins, after the two main characters found temporary refuge there in Season 1.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Since launching his campaign in March, Cuomo has taken a commanding lead in the polls and siphoned some of Adams’s old political coalition.—
David Sivak,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Big Cat still holds a commanding lead in career earnings at $120,999,166.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Alvarez drops to receive Almada’s pass before guiding it first time to Fernandez.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Heyman is best known for guiding the Harry Potter movie franchise across eight successful movies.—
Borys Kit,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Kim Kardashian Kim Kardashian is not mentioned in the lawsuit, but an accompanying exhibit mentions her.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The accompanying comments include discussion of retaliatory tariffs, inelastic markets and, well, price-earnings ratios.—
Alexander Nazaryan,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
What matters is that Dan Hurley’s team won, extending its tournament winning streak to 13 games — and, most importantly, keeping alive its dream of a three-peat.—
Brendan Marks,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
By extending the narrative beyond the confines of a talent agency’s office, the series aims to be both a celebration of Madrid’s cultural scene and a reflection of the industry’s inner workings.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Back in October, TMZ reported news of an alleged split between the pair, but shortly after, the couple was spotted in Tokyo showing much love and affection to one another.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
6 Jan. 2025
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The survey results reiterated prior consumer polls showing the importance of various options.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
WWD,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Mike Woodruff is the lead pastor at Christ Church, which has four campuses in the north suburbs.—
Mike Woodruff,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen has been tapped for a lead role in Season 2 of Netflix’s comedy A Man on the Inside, joining her husband, the series’ star Ted Danson.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But Warren also gave off the impression he will be heavily involved in steering everything.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Dec. 2024
-
Williams, after steering Woods with his eyes, came back to Moore with a golden opportunity.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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