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
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Another study led by researchers at the University of Indiana showed a reduced risk of developing several types of cancer in people who were overweight or obese.
—Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Voight is also credited as the lead author of the paper announcing the discovery.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
Arteta’s side have had to settle for life as perennial nearly-men and were made to do so one final time in March when Guardiola and his tweed trousers, which became a viral sensation, led City to a 2-0 victory.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Another study led by researchers at the University of Indiana showed a reduced risk of developing several types of cancer in people who were overweight or obese.
—Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Adjective
Georgia runs a quarterback sweep toward Freeling — who is the lead puller on the play.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Voight is also credited as the lead author of the paper announcing the discovery.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
-
The phones come with a collection of games optimized for the external display, and opening the phone to use the big foldable OLED will often be faster for most tasks, but using the external screen can help steer you away from distracting apps.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2026
-
Who’s to say the platform won’t eventually use that data to steer those new audiences elsewhere?—
Jennifer Schenberg,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Each new book of his commanded the crowds.—
Ian Mackenzie,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
-
Rockies starter Tanner Gordon commanded his slider, throwing the pitch for strikes 74% of the time.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
You’ll be served an aperitif, a charcuterie platter, local Swiss wine, coffee, and water, while a dedicated concierge—who will accompany you throughout the journey—shares historical insights for a more immersive experience.—
Lauren David,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
-
Authorities also removed another 2-year-old child from the couple’s custody and scoured a field in Moreno Valley, accompanied by Jake Haro in a jail jumpsuit.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In the aftermath of the attack, Tom Wheeler (Chris Mulkey) offered to take Tate to Texas to go fishing, which sounded like a reprieve to Kayce, who agreed.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
-
Any easy toss-on-and-go dress is always a good idea, especially on hot days when you can’t be bothered to dream up a multi-layered outfit.—
Ali Faccenda,
InStyle,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
Customers are guided through products with a sommelier-style approach emphasizing education, personalization, and safe use.—
Tanya Benedicto Klich,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
-
District Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh and County Counsel Thomas Geiger deserve credit for clearly noting in the official voter information guide that property owners are still paying taxes for the district’s prior bond measures.—
East Bay Times editorial,
Mercury News,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Instead, the council created its own map and, according to Espino, used Calderson’s principals.—
Richard J. Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 May 2026
-
Ironically, some of the best meetings between principals occur after the difficult issues have already been addressed.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
These algorithms factor in variables such as a base rate, distance, tolls, surcharges, surge multipliers, booking fees, route adjustments, promotions, time of day, and even the behavior of individual workers and consumers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
-
Rayo exerted some pressure but were largely restricted to shots from distance.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident and established an anonymous tip line seeking information related to the facility’s operations, maintenance practices and the circumstances leading up to the emergency.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
-
Sign up here for budgeting tips, meal planning and more.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
