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
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Dec. 2025
Kansas State’s best player and leading scorer Taryn Sides was held to just two points in the first half as she was blanketed by Taylor Bigby and Maddie Scherr.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Dec. 2025
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Should that happen, multiple Rangers could find themselves in the crosshairs, starting with leading scorer Artemi Panarin.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
The Broncos’ second leading scorer, senior forward Javan Buchanan, was also held to just two points on an 0-for-3 shooting night after being double-teamed and neutralized inside the paint for much of the game.
—Verb
Georgia played more than 30 minutes without 6-foot-11, 260-pound sophomore center Somoto Cyril, the Bulldogs’ leading rebounder and shot blocker, to further the Gators’ front-court advantage.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
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And one of its main ingredients was a hair product – Afro Sheen.—
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Then the Orion capsule will fire up its main thruster and shoot off towards the Moon on its 240,000-mile, four-day journey.—
Adjective
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At this point, Lawrence needs a commanding postseason display to turn that around.—
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The Colorado Avalanche solidified their lead atop the Central Division on Sunday, emphatically, building a commanding lead and giving Minnesota Wild fans precious little to cheer about.—
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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Mamdani, 34, is a charismatic socialist who has limited experience in the private sector and seems utterly unconcerned about his guiding philosophy’s long track record of creating misery.—
Verb
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Borregales banged home a 35-yard field to give the home team a 6-3 lead heading into halftime.—
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Adding to the sense of tumult ahead is the fact that traditional centers of political influence − congressional leaders, the Democratic National Committee, the Republican National Committee − don't have much to say about where the nation's politics are heading.—
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.—
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The accompanying carousel of images show Bure in her younger years, smiling alongside Saget on set and at various events throughout their careers.—
Verb
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Motorola devices will follow, with over-the-air updates extending support over time.—
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Keeping your right knee slightly bent, perform the deadlift by bending at the hip, extending your left leg behind you for balance.—
Verb
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Byard studies a smartphone showing his year-old wishes for a new coach, those expressed to a reporter late last season, including disappointment that far too many missteps had been improperly dealt with.—
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The Irvine Police Department (IPD) released footage showing what appears to be heavily armed officers foiling the brazen burglary as two suspects, dressed in black hoodies and face masks, attempted to flee with an armful of designer items.—
Adjective
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As the lead guide crouched down, an elephant walked around a bend in the river, maybe 30 metres ahead of us.—
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The bank collapsed soon after, and the building then went through a period of turmoil, foreclosing twice in the ‘90s and lacking a lead tenant.—
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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