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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leading
Aaron Tolentino, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Steve McQueen took on his first leading role as one of the two teenagers attempting to warn the town of this new danger, and while the script didn't win the movie any praise, the production's special effects were enough to keep viewers gripping their armrests.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
Since the prospectors were going her way, the three left town together, with the men on foot, leading the mules.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leading
Adjective
Minnesota did it without MVP front-runner and leading scorer Napheesa Collier, who is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game with a right ankle sprain.
—Aaron Tolentino, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Steve McQueen took on his first leading role as one of the two teenagers attempting to warn the town of this new danger, and while the script didn't win the movie any praise, the production's special effects were enough to keep viewers gripping their armrests.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
They’ve also been accused of taunting Alex for two days in a row, leading him to cover his ears and rock back and forth in anxiety.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025
Since the prospectors were going her way, the three left town together, with the men on foot, leading the mules.
—Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
-
His main ride is a blue 2005 TJ with a four-inch lift and some other add-ons.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
DeJean had an interception returned for a 38-yard touchdown in the second quarter that gave the Eagles a commanding 17-0 lead over the Chiefs.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
The New York Yankees once had a commanding lead in the American League East.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Alvarez drops to receive Almada’s pass before guiding it first time to Fernandez.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Once all that information is gathered, AI algorithms can sift through it at lightning speed, guiding scientists to smarter experiments and faster drug development.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Weezer recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Blue Album, along with an accompanying tour and festival circuit.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Like most wireless cameras, the P1 Max is easy to install and requires only a few screws and a few minutes of time in the accompanying app.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
What matters is that Dan Hurley’s team won, extending its tournament winning streak to 13 games — and, most importantly, keeping alive its dream of a three-peat.—
Brendan Marks,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
By extending the narrative beyond the confines of a talent agency’s office, the series aims to be both a celebration of Madrid’s cultural scene and a reflection of the industry’s inner workings.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Adelstein is also the lead singer and guitarist of a band called Doris.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Defense pointed out that the lead investigator, Trooper Michael Proctor, was a close friend of the Albert family.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But Warren also gave off the impression he will be heavily involved in steering everything.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Dec. 2024
-
Social media has flipped the power dynamic, turning memes into tools for steering these rivalries.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
10 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share