1
as in to steer
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 to command
to serve as leader of
a senior programmer is leading the team that is developing the new accounting software
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3
4
5
as in to guide
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 principal
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distance
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
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3
as in tip
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
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4
as in cue
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in leading
highest in rank or authority
the lead diplomat is responsible for making policy for the entire embassy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lead
Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Beyond New York, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization led raucous protests near the site of the killing soon after news spread of the shooting.
—Asra Q. Nomani , Nikolas Lanum , Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Sign up above in the box just below the lead image of this story and you’ll be all set starting today.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
Watson, who Cal-OSHA investigators sought to interview, and Rajinder Gill, a Sutter County Sheriff’s lieutenant, led the tactical teams that participated in the operation during which Rodarte was killed.
—Adjective
Defense played a lead role in each win.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
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Witnesses and local leaders have contradicted that claim, saying Good was trying to leave and steering away from the agent.—
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Pink and black, a similar color pairing, is one that Gage urges steering clear of in this day and age.—
Verb
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Morgan Stanley currently doesn't crack the top-10 list of ETF issuers, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence, and commands fewer assets in the space than newcomers such as Neos Investments, which got its start in 2022.—
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Actual firepower, sources say, is controlled by Army Chief Domingo Hernández Lárez, who commands the operational units capable of sustained combat.—
Verb
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New state sales tax revenue generated within the massive STAR bond district will pay back the bond debt used to build a new stadium and accompanying facilities for several decades.—
-
Their children often accompany them to public services and have already taken up royal duties of their own, but Kate and William make sure their kids' lives are mostly out of the spotlight.—
Verb
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The Kings went into the halftime break with a 58-46 lead and a 22-5 advantage in fastbreak points.—
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While strolling in New York City, Katie Holmes went for a casual vibe in baggy black jeans with a light jacket and a crossbody bag, while Jennifer Garner's pair had a touch of subtle elegance with gold-tone hardware.—
Verb
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Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
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Paul was a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion and guided the league through the challenges of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.—
Noun
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The school’s principal, Erin Kamradt, wrote a letter to parents about Linda's disappearance.—
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Horizon Line principals are Damian Lee and Bennet De Brabandere, whose features as producer, writer or director include Ski School, National Lampoon’s Last Resort, A Dark Truth, Hearts of War and A Fighting Man.—
Noun
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The system currently operates at short engagement distances.—
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
Noun
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Below, try the comfy, yet elevated bottoms for yourself, with five silky-soft pants to shop—and with tips on how to style them.—
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Anyone with information is urged to call an OSBI tip line at 800-522-8017.—
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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