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
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
The government also needs to play a leading role in unlocking large-scale sources of energy to power AI data centers.
—Michael C. Horowitz, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 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 Trump role earned Stan an Oscar nomination for best performance by an actor in a leading role; Stan was nominated for any Emmy for playing the Mötley Crüe drummer.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
The government also needs to play a leading role in unlocking large-scale sources of energy to power AI data centers.
—Michael C. Horowitz, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 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
-
The Bills will very likely want to find someone who can offer more versatility somewhere else while being their main returner, and running back might be the best place to find one.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
These kinds of breaches often happen quietly, exposing large amounts of customer information without touching a company’s main systems.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
On election day, early results gave Cárdenas a commanding lead over the PRI’s candidate, Carlos Salinas de Gortari.—
Stephania Taladrid,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
-
After the first leg in Lyon had ended 2-2 last week, United took a commanding lead in Thursday’s return fixture thanks to first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Alvarez drops to receive Almada’s pass before guiding it first time to Fernandez.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Once all that information is gathered, AI algorithms can sift through it at lightning speed, guiding scientists to smarter experiments and faster drug development.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Weezer recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Blue Album, along with an accompanying tour and festival circuit.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Like most wireless cameras, the P1 Max is easy to install and requires only a few screws and a few minutes of time in the accompanying app.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
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
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit White House Historical Association, the lead organizer of the egg roll.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Lathan’s nuanced portrayal was her first lead role after a string of supporting and guest spots.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But Warren also gave off the impression he will be heavily involved in steering everything.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Dec. 2024
-
Social media has flipped the power dynamic, turning memes into tools for steering these rivalries.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
10 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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