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leading

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verb

present participle of lead
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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
as in extending
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction this old road leads to an abandoned quarry

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

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 leading
Adjective
Studios run actors in leading (or co-leading) roles in supporting categories at award shows to prevent their stars from competing with one another and maximize their chances for a win. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025 But Germany must overcome its reluctance and take a leading role in funding the effort. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Hulan Hagen, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 Look for providers that embrace and continuously deliver industry-leading rates of change through their subscription services. Akhilesh Tripathi, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
  • My one and only visit was decades ago, in middle school, when my main priority was riding the roller coaster.
    Mariah Tyler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to a cozy and updated three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot main home, there’s a small 19th-century cabin with a rock chimney still standing on the property.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Boston committed 19 turnovers and looked a step slow in the paint (where Detroit owned a commanding 62-20 scoring edge) and in transition (29-8).
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
  • And now, with Zero Day, Bassett delivers yet another commanding performance—one that’s both timely and powerful.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In his new role as executive chairman, Patrick will focus on long-term strategic partnerships and guiding the group to thrive sustainably in an evolving regional and global landscape.
    Ritu Upadhyay, WWD, 23 Dec. 2024
  • So that’s my guiding light, through just historical data.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The sword might have been a gift from a royal, Sayer adds, and it may have been used for generations—signifying social status—before accompanying its last owner to the grave.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Sunday’s incident with Moore also is the second time that Jenner has been involved in an awkward viral moment while accompanying her boyfriend Chalamet to the Golden Globes.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Knicks picked up their 14th win in the last 18 games with a dominant wire-to-wire 139-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, extending their winning streak to four games.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024
  • This also helps reduce fading of textiles and furniture, thereby extending its life.
    Heather Farmbrough, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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
  • Guys weren't expecting to have to do another rebuild this year and their frustration is really showing after the trade a week before training camp has left the team, again, with some odd fitting parts that have to be fitted together on the fly.
    John Hollinger, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • At the end of Season 3, Jesse Lee Soffer took over the lead role when Kleintank exited.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 4 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
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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