LEAD Synonyms: 262 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'lead' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lead are engineer , guide , pilot , and steer . While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order. // led his team to victory

Q: When is 'engineer' a more appropriate choice than 'lead'?

The words engineer and lead can be used in similar contexts, but engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan. // engineered his son's election to the governorship

Q: When might 'guide' be a better fit than 'lead'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lead , guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers. // guided the scouts through the cave

Q: When would 'pilot' be a good substitute for 'lead'?

The words pilot and lead are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course. // piloted the bill through the Senate

Q: In what contexts can 'steer' take the place of 'lead'?

In some situations, the words steer and lead are roughly equivalent. However, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly. // steered the ship through a narrow channel

lead 1 of 3

verb

ˈlēd

Definition of lead next

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

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

as in to accompany

to be at the front of the local high school's marching band led the parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to go

to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction this old road leads to an abandoned quarry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

lead

2 of 3

noun

ˈlēd

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

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

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

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

lead

3 of 3

adjective

ˈlēd

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lead contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lead are engineer, guide, pilot, and steer. While all these words mean "to direct in a course or show the way to be followed," lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

led his team to victory

When is engineer a more appropriate choice than lead?

The words engineer and lead can be used in similar contexts, but engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan.

engineered his son's election to the governorship

When might guide be a better fit than lead?

While in some cases nearly identical to lead, guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

guided the scouts through the cave

When would pilot be a good substitute for lead?

The words pilot and lead are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

piloted the bill through the Senate

In what contexts can steer take the place of lead?

In some situations, the words steer and lead are roughly equivalent. However, steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

steered the ship through a narrow channel

Examples 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

Verb

But the Bucs could only tie the game with a field goal, leaving 41 seconds for Brock Purdy to lead a drive and set up Jake Moody’s game-winning kick from 44 yards out. —

Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 And Musk, who also leads several other firms including SpaceX, is now poised to have some level of role or influence in the upcoming Trump administration. —

Bruce Gil, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Adjective

But in the show’s long history — not only in New York City but also around the country and in London — dozens of actors and actresses have stepped into the lead roles. —

Victoria Edel, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024 Season one of the series earned 14 Emmy Award nominations, including for best drama series, best directing and a nod for Scott’s lead actor. —

Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead

Verb

Were steered into a listing of the broker representing them.

David Marino, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
As some locations sold out of at least part of their Taylor Swift goodies by 10 a.m., Target looked to steer the traffic to other parts of the store with discounts, including 40 percent off for fleece and 50 percent off for some women’s, kids and men’s looks.

David Moin, WWD, 1 Dec. 2024