lead 1 of 3

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to accompany
to be at the front of the local high school's marching band led the parade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to go
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction this old road leads to an abandoned quarry

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5

lead

2 of 3

noun

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

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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

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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

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4

lead

3 of 3

adjective

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
Brody previously took home an Oscar for his leading role in 2003's The Pianist. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024 Stewart notes the misconception that leading and supporting are solely contingent on the amount of time on screen. Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The lead asset acquired from Karuna recently scored FDA approval and is sold under the name Cobenfy. Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Dec. 2024 According to the lead researcher, Bryan Fry, the two species of green anaconda, northern and southern, likely split from each other evolutionarily 10 million years ago. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lead 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
Verb
  • With this deal, the Nordstrom family and their partners aim to steer the company away from the short-term pressures of public markets and toward a more flexible private ownership model.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Those not affiliated with the Christian side of Christmas might be especially fond of this record, as the great jazz legend steers clear of religious songs completely.
    Stephanie Kaloi and James Mercadante, EW.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In 1995, Charity Adams authored a memoir about her experience commanding the historic battalion.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The caveat: Most Tampa venues command serious cash.
    Yacob Reyes, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Logan Hollowell 11:11 Manifestation Candle, $70 This candle can accompany a manifestation practice and features the angel numbers 11:11, which typically represents the start of something new.
    Emily Burns, WWD, 31 Dec. 2024
  • The Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts has announced details of the New Year’s Eve celebration — and for the second year in a row, a custom drone show will accompany the fireworks at the stroke of midnight.
    Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The cases, brought by 60 men and 60 women, span incidents going as far back as 1991.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
  • The fact that tax revenue didn't go directly back into the community, to fix roads and bridges damaged by years of fighting, made some residents angry — and fueled protests.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The session will guide how taxpayers' money will be spent in the future and how the state's laws will evolve with the times.
    Worth Sparkman, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Read our Best Computer Speakers guide for other options.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • But while his bill requires school children to be taught safe storage concepts, Todd has repeatedly voted against any requirement for adult gun owners to store their guns safely ― or even learn principals of safe storage.
    Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Until this winter, North Korea provided artillery ammunition in calibers that, in principal, Russia can produce itself.
    David Axe, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This property sits right in the middle of the Windy City: Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Grant, and Millennium Park are all within walking distance.
    Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
  • For the purpose of this study, White defines that as the equity trading above the moving average for 80% of the time over the past two months and closing north of the trendline in eight of the last 10 sessions, before getting within striking distance of the moving average.
    Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Personal trainers have shared their top tips to help maintain movement during the busiest time of the year.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Part your hair with the bottle tip and apply the product directly to your scalp.
    Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 22 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near lead

Cite this Entry

“Lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

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