1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
they are the leading suppliers of processed meat in the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commanding
highest in rank or authority
served as the leading counsel on the defendant's legal team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in guiding
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in heading
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
as in accompanying
to be at the front of
the local high school's marching band led the parade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in showing
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of leading
Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
In recent months, it’s taken a leading role in retail bankruptcies, buying the closeout retailer Big Lots and reselling some of its leases.
—Megan Poinski, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Hulan Hagen, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Look for providers that embrace and continuously deliver industry-leading rates of change through their subscription services.
—Akhilesh Tripathi, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
The Miami Beach controversy comes amid heightened tensions around free speech and pro-Palestinian activism nationwide following the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student activist and green card holder who has played a leading role in pro-Palestinian protests on the campus.
—Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
In recent months, it’s taken a leading role in retail bankruptcies, buying the closeout retailer Big Lots and reselling some of its leases.
—Megan Poinski, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches.
—Hulan Hagen, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Look for providers that embrace and continuously deliver industry-leading rates of change through their subscription services.
—Akhilesh Tripathi, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
Everybody plays numerous parts, assigned without regard to gender (there’s even a cameo for Fleming), but the anchors are Cumming’s Cholmondeley, the nerd who came up the audacious idea, and Hodgson’s Montagu, the operation’s main manager and salesman.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The physical pop-up takes over The Carousel @ Bloomingdale’s 1,600-square foot main floor space, as well as displays in the store’s Lexington Avenue windows for the launch.—
Lisa Lockwood,
WWD,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite entering the final round four shots back, McIlroy held a commanding three-shot lead on the back nine.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
-
On Sunday, the Israeli commanding officers visited and assessed the buffer zone.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In his new role as executive chairman, Patrick will focus on long-term strategic partnerships and guiding the group to thrive sustainably in an evolving regional and global landscape.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
WWD,
23 Dec. 2024
-
So that’s my guiding light, through just historical data.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The sword might have been a gift from a royal, Sayer adds, and it may have been used for generations—signifying social status—before accompanying its last owner to the grave.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Sunday’s incident with Moore also is the second time that Jenner has been involved in an awkward viral moment while accompanying her boyfriend Chalamet to the Golden Globes.—
Martha Ross,
The Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Knicks picked up their 14th win in the last 18 games with a dominant wire-to-wire 139-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, extending their winning streak to four games.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
24 Dec. 2024
-
This also helps reduce fading of textiles and furniture, thereby extending its life.—
Heather Farmbrough,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Back in October, TMZ reported news of an alleged split between the pair, but shortly after, the couple was spotted in Tokyo showing much love and affection to one another.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Guys weren't expecting to have to do another rebuild this year and their frustration is really showing after the trade a week before training camp has left the team, again, with some odd fitting parts that have to be fitted together on the fly.—
John Hollinger,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
His Blue Devils had just scored 7 straight points, their longest run all game, to take a 5-point lead in a game that featured eight first-half lead changes.—
Brendan Marks,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
-
The three who survived are one of the lead singers, a guitarist and a backup vocalist.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But Warren also gave off the impression he will be heavily involved in steering everything.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Dec. 2024
-
Williams, after steering Woods with his eyes, came back to Moore with a golden opportunity.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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