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
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Recent Examples of lead
Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
With Saint Louis leading 69-63 and 1:10 remaining, a fight at Chaifetz Arena in Missouri spilled out over rows of seats and down onto the floor near the VCU bench.
—Jamie Barton, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
Buckler’s former bandmate and lead singer Paul Weller confirmed his death on social media Tuesday.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Verb
Scales' job at OPM, managing the federal workforce, comes after Musk, her former employer, was tapped by Trump to lead the Department on Government Efficiency (DOGE), a nongovernmental task force aimed at reducing federal spending and making the federal government more efficient.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
With Saint Louis leading 69-63 and 1:10 remaining, a fight at Chaifetz Arena in Missouri spilled out over rows of seats and down onto the floor near the VCU bench.
—Jamie Barton, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
The sprawling 215-minute drama spans 30 years in the life of Adrien Brody’s lead character, fictional architect László Tóth.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
Buckler’s former bandmate and lead singer Paul Weller confirmed his death on social media Tuesday.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
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Nearly a decade after that, Willis steered Sabathia to an American League Cy Young Award.—
Zack Meisel,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
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The British family that has steered the James Bond franchise for more than 60 years, zealously protecting the superspy from the indignities of Hollywood strip mining, has agreed to relinquish control to Amazon.—
Brooks Barnes,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In this digital age, his occasional social media spats have commanded as much attention as his silky-smooth jump shot.—
Darnell Mayberry,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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The specialty varieties of coffee harvested at the farm have long commanded a hefty premium, reflecting their status as the source of aromatic brews savored like fine wine from Seattle to Seoul.—
Peter S. Goodman,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Fasting may also be accompanied by a more serious study of the Quran throughout the month.—
James Powel,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
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The palate has a notable sweetness accompanied by red and black fruit notes, a crisp acidity, and a backbone of ripe tannins.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This goes for the show's host, Kevin O'Connor, and its core cast of experts — Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey and Jenn Nawada — and for members of production who are behind the scenes.—
Maddie McGay,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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The Vatican said in a statement on Monday morning that for Francis, the night had gone well.—
Emma Bubola,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Now, imagine an AI sales associate actively guiding a customer through the sales process.—
Michael Ashley,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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Her work also helped outline the government’s strategy and priorities in the National AI Research and Development Strategic Roadmap – meant to guide the direction of AI research.—
Sara Lindsay,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Guenther Steiner, the former team principal of Haas F1, and the Haas Formula One Team have reached a resolution to their legal dispute through a mediation process.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
22 Feb. 2025
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The legal matters between Guenther Steiner and Haas are over, with the former Formula One team principal deciding to voluntarily dismiss his lawsuit with prejudice after reaching an agreement in mediation.—
Madeline Coleman,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Breakdown The only fighter to go the distance with Beterbiev, Bivol looks to even the score with the man who handed him his first career loss.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
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The university, which is a private Christian institution, wants to put distance between itself and the fictional team.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Editor's Note: This recipe was developed by Craig Ruff; the recipe tips were written by Kimberly Holland.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2025
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Here are tips from the utility: Remove aerators and screens from all faucets.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to lead
Cite this Entry
“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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