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
Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 4 Feb. 2025
The Wildcats are unlikely to be at full strength as leading scorer Ayoka Lee has been sidelined with an ankle injury since Jan. 19.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 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 Ducks had leading scorer Troy Terry back (illness), while the Stars were without top defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who was deemed month-to-month after undergoing knee surgery on Tuesday morning.
—Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 4 Feb. 2025
The Wildcats are unlikely to be at full strength as leading scorer Ayoka Lee has been sidelined with an ankle injury since Jan. 19.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 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
-
Research shows that there are three main reasons why migrants die trying to reach the U.S. from Mexico.—
Marni LaFleur,
The Conversation,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Here are some highlights from the discussion: Drake became the show’s main character in absentia.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Halftime report The Kings only trailed by eight following a 3-pointer by Fox with 7:58 to play in the second quarter, but the Thunder staged a 21-6 run to take a commanding lead.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
2 Feb. 2025
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Boston outscored Chicago 41-28, led by as many as 19 points and took a commanding 68-51 lead into halftime.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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So that’s my guiding light, through just historical data.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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Being the lead action hero in a major movie – like his early idols Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung – is a role 40 years in the making.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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Both were replaced by Robin Washington, lead director who handled the challenge of several activist firms over the company’s management.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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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
Thesaurus Entries Near leading
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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