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
as in commands
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
4
5
as in guides
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
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
as in distances
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in clues
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation)
the police are now working on several leads generated by the evidence gathered at the crime scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of leads
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
Hickenlooper leads Gonzales 41% to 34% in the primary, according to a June 8 poll released by the Colorado Community Research, a polling firm.
—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Enjoyment leads globally, so optimize for enjoyment and move on.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Any slight or catty-Housewives moment has a deeper meaning for her that always leads back to the hurt of Porsha’s rejection.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
Schwarber leads the majors in homers and is on pace to hit 58 this season, which would tie Ryan Howard’s franchise record set in 2008.
—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Downstairs is the bedroom with an en suite renovated bathroom and a walk-in closet, plus another sliding door that leads out to a private patio.
—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
29 June 2026
His character leads outcast samurai seeking to avenge their master's killing.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
Kerr leads wire-to-wire, closing with a 6-under 66 for a 19-under 269 total.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
Were there any leads for Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance?
—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
PEOPLE,
27 June 2026
But the series’ two leads are not the only ones whose lives have been transformed by Jacob Tierney’s sports romance.
—
Emily Maskell,
IndieWire,
26 June 2026
Heath left Chicago with new information and leads.
—
Keith O’Brien,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
But judging from this amuse-bouche, jury is still out on the romantic leads.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
The Netherlands twice lost leads in its 2-2 draw with Japan.
—
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
Japan leads Brazil 1-0 after the first 45 minutes, taking advantage of essentially its only chance so far.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
Hickenlooper leads Gonzales 41% to 34% in the primary, according to a June 8 poll released by the Colorado Community Research, a polling firm.
—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Enjoyment leads globally, so optimize for enjoyment and move on.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Any slight or catty-Housewives moment has a deeper meaning for her that always leads back to the hurt of Porsha’s rejection.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
Schwarber leads the majors in homers and is on pace to hit 58 this season, which would tie Ryan Howard’s franchise record set in 2008.
—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Downstairs is the bedroom with an en suite renovated bathroom and a walk-in closet, plus another sliding door that leads out to a private patio.
—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
29 June 2026
His character leads outcast samurai seeking to avenge their master's killing.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
Kerr leads wire-to-wire, closing with a 6-under 66 for a 19-under 269 total.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Noun
This view is shared by Olivier Coste at Château des Adouzes, who questions where the chase after lightness leads.
—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
Were there any leads for Jodi Huisentruit's disappearance?
—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
PEOPLE,
27 June 2026
But the series’ two leads are not the only ones whose lives have been transformed by Jacob Tierney’s sports romance.
—
Emily Maskell,
IndieWire,
26 June 2026
Heath left Chicago with new information and leads.
—
Keith O’Brien,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
But judging from this amuse-bouche, jury is still out on the romantic leads.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
The Netherlands twice lost leads in its 2-2 draw with Japan.
—
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads
Verb
-
The jet stream is a highway of air at high altitudes which steers weather systems.
-
Taking a cue from nickelodeon piano players, composer John Powell steers the mood with a vibrantly eclectic score of sprightly ragtime, violin pathos and popcorn crescendos.
Verb
-
Kelly Mason commands Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a deft hand, both at her namesake Mason Vineyards and Domaine Queylus.
-
Known to get into the minutiae of coding himself, Andreou actively participates in building tools, with a vibrant personality that commands the room.
Verb
-
This reflection accompanies the release of Couture, a new film directed by Alice Winocour, in which Jolie stars as Maxine Walker, an American filmmaker who is diagnosed with breast cancer while in Paris on business.
-
The buzz that accompanies the reunion of a great band doesn’t last forever – think of that other influential Massachusetts alt-rock institution that came back in the mid-2000s, Pixies, and how that initial excitement has dwindled with each successive post-reunion album.
Verb
-
The root ball boundary or the outer edge of the soil-and-root mass typically extends from the main stem to just beyond the edge of the foliage.
-
Of course, Oaxaca's appeal also extends beyond the plate, with colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, centuries-old churches, and a flourishing art scene.
Verb
-
Eder believed that American flags should be made in America, a philosophy that still guides the company today.
-
For a truly memorable half day on the island, book a session at Forge a Memory, where a blacksmith guides you through making your own knife.
Noun
-
The Austrian Alps are fantastically photogenic, and the principals in the Plamberger trial had left a detailed record of their time in the mountains on social media.
-
The matter simmered until February 24, 1976, when the board, after one of its regular meetings, asked Irving Carroll and Ernest Valenze, the principals of Island Trees’ two high schools, to remove the books from the library shelves.
Noun
-
Instead of limiting where an electric bike can go, its folding design creates more opportunities to ride, making spontaneous adventures easier than ever while still providing the comfort needed for longer distances.
-
They’re also suited for specific boating environments, with canoeing most frequently seen in rivers, lakes, and shallower waters while sailboats are more tailored for wider distances and uses.
Noun
-
Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
-
Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
Cite this Entry
“Leads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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