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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leads
Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
McMillan, as Dowdle recited from memory, leads all rookies in receiving yards with 1,014.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Singh leads the cast, with Akshaye Khanna playing the antagonist.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Pearsall leads San Francisco with eight catches on throws at least 20 yards downfield.
—CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Wanaka Mountain Guides leads multi-day expeditions to the bucket-list summits of Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest peak at 12,217 feet) and Mount Aspiring (a respectable 9,950-feet).
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026
New York storyteller Laura Sims leads workshops and performs stories on Saturday and Sunday during the Atlanta Jewish Storytelling Festival at The Breman.
—Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Zegras, acquired for pennies on the dollar, leads the Flyers in scoring and is on pace for 80 points.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Pierce Walsh leads a group of returning tight ends for 2026.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Despite their best efforts, initial searches using ground, aerial and maritime resources were not successful and Ortiz remained missing, although authorities said their investigators were continuing to follow leads.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Weaver became a breakout star of the playoffs in the ninth-inning role, while Holmes set up for him at times, and other times he was tasked with holding tight leads in the middle innings.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
Shows helmed by Black leads such as Hijack, Euphoria, and The Bear, are all set to return, and hope to push their characters’ story arcs into new territory.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Jan. 2026
Franklin’s only leads came in the first quarter, as Santos knocked down a 3-pointer to go up, 3-2, and Jack Sullivan (nine points) drained another to go up 6-4.
—Matt Goisman, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
At the time of the incident, police had no witnesses or other leads in the case.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
The Seahawks have built first-half leads of 38-3 over the Saints, 31-7 over Washington and 35-0 over Arizona.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
The Giants team has been a mess in 2025, losing multiple leads in the fourth quarter.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
Loveland, who played collegiately at Michigan, leads the Bears with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns.
—Noun
An early test with home security firm SimpliSafe yielded a 23% increase in leads and a 31% increase in website visits, the companies said.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads
Verb
-
Following the money Hinojosa and Bell have tied Abbott’s private-school voucher push to a broader argument about favoritism, arguing the program steers public dollars to mostly Christian schools while benefiting wealthy contributors.—
-
McKissick recommends sticking within the 19 to 24 inch frame range and steers her clients toward the sleek Samsung Frame when possible.—
Verb
-
For example, just six countries account for roughly two-thirds of mining production, and China alone commands about 40% of global smelting capacity.—
-
Privately, however, sources described a violent struggle over control of the military— who commands it, who coordinates it — and who may soon deploy it against internal rivals.—
Verb
-
Koma shared the photo of Tisdale French that accompanies her Cut essay, but with his head superimposed onto her body.—
-
Kiyan has never shied from the spotlight that accompanies his dad.—
Verb
-
Hardware proven beyond Earth That validation already extends into space.—
-
But for his dad and mom, the pride in Carson extends far beyond statistics and endorsements.—
Verb
-
Book experiences with locals like Barefoot Billy, who guides an epic, 26-mile Jet Ski tour, or Marianne van den Broek, a professional sand sculptor who leads workshops.—
-
Premium Pliers Gugino, who guides striped bass and bluefish around Boston Harbor, and Rubner never leave the dock without a premium pair of pliers.—
Noun
-
Kim will oversee and direct the actions of the superintendent, principals, and/or governance team; and report back to the agency on district activity and academic progress.—
-
About five to eight schools receive the laundry machines each year in a program begun by Enchanted Backpack recently after principals and teachers suggested the donation would decrease absenteeism and boost student self-esteem.—
Noun
-
All race distances will start at The Shoppes at Carlsbad.—
-
Ballentine played 20 snaps versus the Giants in the slot as the nickel cornerback in the defense’s subpackage for third downs and longer downs-and-distances.—
Noun
-
Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!—
-
Read More TopicsLoeweGolden Globe Awards Get the latest fashion stories, style, and tips, handpicked for you, everyday.—
Cite this Entry
“Leads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share