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
Nick Romano, EW.com, 15 May 2025
At the same time, the Trump administration has proposed deep cuts and encouraged widespread layoffs at the Energy Department, which historically has played a leading role in nurturing new technologies.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 13 May 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
The Mad Max: Fury Road and Nosferatu star, 35, initially went out for the leading role of Clark Kent/Kal-El, the Kryptonian strongman who crash lands on Earth as a babe and struggles ever since to reconcile his upbringing in small-town Kansas with his otherworldly heritage.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 15 May 2025
At the same time, the Trump administration has proposed deep cuts and encouraged widespread layoffs at the Energy Department, which historically has played a leading role in nurturing new technologies.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 13 May 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
-
Two main issues are conveyed: No credible debt management approach exists.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
This addition sees another key member of the iconic D-Generation X (DX) faction contributing behind the scenes, joining Triple H, who heads main roster creative, Shawn Michaels, who is in charge of NXT creative, and Road Dogg, currently working as a co-lead writer for WWE SmackDown.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
There were the three thrilling games for the Florida Panthers against the Carolina Hurricanes in this Eastern Conference final, too, so full of drama and nastiness and easy wins to take a commanding 3-0 lead.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
27 May 2025
-
The Thunder will take a commanding 3-1 lead to their home court on Wednesday when the series shifts back to Oklahoma City.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 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
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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
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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
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There are many musicians on her father’s side of the family; and her father himself is the lead singer of the funk group Chocolate Milk.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
27 May 2025
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From my perspective, in the future, agents using AI won’t be grinding through lead generation, policy illustrations and underwriting bottlenecks.—
Sam Henry,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
But Warren also gave off the impression he will be heavily involved in steering everything.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Dec. 2024
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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 1 Jun. 2025.
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