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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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 lead
Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Their newfound freedom may also lead them to take lots of excursions.
—Laura Broadwell, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Any item produced before 1978 (when lead products were banned in the United States) carries a potential risk.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
The thin, delicate skin of the under-eye can easily become dry and flaky, but too emollient of a texture can lead makeup to shift or smudge.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Their newfound freedom may also lead them to take lots of excursions.
—Laura Broadwell, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Fox News Digital reached out to the lead study author and the Georgia Department of Public Health for comment.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Any item produced before 1978 (when lead products were banned in the United States) carries a potential risk.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.—
Carson Becker,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.—
Matt Brennan,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Experts say Ticketmaster commands more than a 70% market share of primary ticket services for major U.S. concert venues.—
Steve Holland,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Many of the pro-Trump personalities who command big online audiences with conservative opinion shows don’t live in Washington, DC, and have little desire to drop in for press briefings.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Members accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nation’s economy came undone last decade.—
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
TIME,
23 Mar. 2025
-
According to the insider, director Doug Liman accompanied the two on the trip, but further details about the project were not disclosed.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
From our perspective on and around Earth, wavelengths of light emanating from cosmic objects actually go from the bluer section of the spectrum to the red section, and then tread into infrared waters.—
Monisha Ravisetti,
Space.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
On the 8th hole, his tee shot went into the trees to the right of the fairway, causing a significant delay in play.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Revenues were guided to flat to slightly up for 2025.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Trust that the universe is guiding you on the right path, and allow your inner wisdom to lead the way!—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Yes, their principal is backed by the same government credit as a standard Treasury.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Related Story Earlier this month, the Concordia Parish sheriff announced that will hold a sheriff’s sale for the shuttered mill, which owes approximately $32.5 million in principal, interest, and late charges to the Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union and Greater Nevada Credit Union.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Venice has one of its strongest City Section track teams, with distance standout Paul Tranquilla and 400-meter runner Nathaniel Santa Cruz ready to score points in multiple events.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Here are a few tips for managing your old accounts after consolidating your debt.—
Christina Majaski,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Bunk Room Ideas Everyone Will Love Three more interior designers share their tips to make bed nooks feel bespoke with clever customizations.—
Laura Fenton,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share