leads 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of lead
1
as in steers
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
3
as in accompanies
to be at the front of the local high school's marching band led the parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

leads

2 of 2

noun

plural of lead
1
as in principals
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
3
as in tips
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

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 leads
Verb
The boot-hitting has come in handy; Tait-Jones leads the country in free throw attempts and makes (210 for 274 from the line). Cj Moore, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 The Joe Gibbs Racing star also leads the Cup Series with nine poles since the start of the 2023 season. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2025 New York leads 72-71 in points. Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 Chase Hunter leads the Tigers in scoring and is coming off an efficient 21-point game in their quarterfinals game against SMU. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Sam Reinhart leads the team in scoring with 32 goals, while Aleksander Barkov leads the team with 43 assists. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Hepburn leads the Cardinals in both scoring and assists. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 The chef’s kitchen is an open concept design and leads into a formal dining room with panoramic windows. David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025 Cole Caufield leads the team with 32 goals, while Nick Suzuki's 49 assists lead that category. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads
Verb
  • Acutely self-aware but nevertheless unapologetic, Vasquez steers his surreal and cynical midnight treasure just to the point of mainstream acceptability here.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Authentic Brands Group now also steers Muhammad Ali’s and Elvis Presley’s publicity rights.
    Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While luxury skincare often commands higher price points, affordability and inclusivity are becoming key factors in building a sustainable brand.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Suzuki’s cars took off, and today the company’s Indian subsidiary commands around 40 percent of the country’s passenger car market.
    River Akira Davis, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The series also starred Collins as angel Castiel, who accompanies the Winchesters on their exorcisms.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • This environment can foster healthier interactions and reduce the anxiety that often accompanies dating.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Its elegance extends inside of the building to the expansive bridal suite with rooms designated for hair and makeup, and its ballroom for rehearsal dinners.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2025
  • And its dominance extends beyond cars; China also produces more than half the global supply of steel, aluminum, and ships.
    Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • An instructor guides the class through shaping a cylinder, then attaching the bottom and handle.
    Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Setting out with a plan guides the entire process and leads you to a polished result.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Other founding principals include fellow academicians Andrei Shleifer and Robert Vishny.
    Charles Rotblut, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • In Vietnam, a global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brand worked with local school principals and health workers to promote hygiene practices, integrating these efforts into community health campaigns.
    Aman Gupta, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Mocha mousse tips, combined with a sheer or nude base, are the definition of minimalism with a modern twist.
    Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Implement these tips to build resilience, reduce stress, and secure a debt-free future.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But if the officer corps’ voice is too weak, complex battlefield operations – and the strategic planning that precedes it – are likely to be botched, as happened in Vietnam.
    Dwight Stirling, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, two of the other planes, one carrying most of Congress and one carrying the joint chiefs of staff, won’t make it to Colorado after the massive sound wave that precedes the tsunami takes them out.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on leads

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!