1
as in steers
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commands
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
4
5
as in guides
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
1
as in principals
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distances
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tips
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in clues
a slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation)
the police are now working on several leads generated by the evidence gathered at the crime scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 leads
Cody Slach, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Relying on luck typically leads people to ignore the responsibility of preparing for the inevitable.
—Andreza Araujo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Now more than a year into her term, Bullock leads a central bank that, thus far, has held out on cutting interest rates, placing her fiercely in the spotlight as the country prepares for a 2025 election with cost of living concerns top-of-mind for voters.
—Erin Spencer Sairam, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Leadership leads between paradigms; management manages within paradigms.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Baidu’s Ernie Bot leads the pack.
—Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024
Cy wins the next diamond, draws trumps, takes the second high diamond, leads a trump to his hand and returns a club to dummy’s jack.
—Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
This ultimately leads them to quickly adopt useful new behaviors.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
Attached is a walkway that leads directly to their stunning new practice facility, graced with natural lighting that immediately enlivens the building.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
This leads me to my next point.
—Cody Slach, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Relying on luck typically leads people to ignore the responsibility of preparing for the inevitable.
—Andreza Araujo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Now more than a year into her term, Bullock leads a central bank that, thus far, has held out on cutting interest rates, placing her fiercely in the spotlight as the country prepares for a 2025 election with cost of living concerns top-of-mind for voters.
—Erin Spencer Sairam, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Leadership leads between paradigms; management manages within paradigms.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Baidu’s Ernie Bot leads the pack.
—Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024
Cy wins the next diamond, draws trumps, takes the second high diamond, leads a trump to his hand and returns a club to dummy’s jack.
—Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
This ultimately leads them to quickly adopt useful new behaviors.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
Attached is a walkway that leads directly to their stunning new practice facility, graced with natural lighting that immediately enlivens the building.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leads
Verb
-
Authentic Brands Group now also steers Muhammad Ali’s and Elvis Presley’s publicity rights.Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024
-
Admittedly, 2024 was a challenging year in many respects; but now, in the last six weeks, the zodiac sign of Sagittarius takes over and steers us in new directions with its curiosity and drive.Glamour, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
As Marley, Shropshire commands fear and awe.Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Despite its apparent conflicts with Brady’s persona, the watch is known as an ultimate collector’s item in the Rolex sphere and often commands top dollar at auctions.Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
This piece on global food systems’ impacts on health and the environment is made 100% richer by the stunning photography that accompanies it.Michelle Weber, Longreads, 29 Nov. 2024
-
The staircase is adorned with steel finishes and integrates with the pink marble wall that accompanies it.Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
This pattern of transformation extends across sectors.Moira Forbes, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
-
The difference is a processing step that extends shelf life without changing the integrity of the ingredients.Dave Knox, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In this stunning second title, Pan y Dulce, Ford seamlessly guides home bakers to crusty loaves, creamy Flan De Coco, vibrantly swirled Pan Payaso, and so much more.The Bon Appétit and Epicurious Staffs, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024
-
But there is no shortage of practical baking lessons here—this book guides the home baker with scientific precision.The Bon Appétit and Epicurious Staffs, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Clearly, the two principals in the trade are Gimenez and Horwitz.Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Other updates will limit the number of student assessments, while adding trainings for district superintendents, principals and teachers.Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Others document renovations or offer home DIY tips, and some are used as marketing tools to secure short-term rentals and event bookings.Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024
-
By this point in the book’s life, its status as an exemplar of fiction that upends expectations tips the reader off that there’s something unusual about it.Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The couple’s relationship precedes Bowers’ professional football career, which began in 2024.Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
-
Instead, the shocking gunshot that precedes the film’s title card sets the table for a flashback to the past.Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near leads
Cite this Entry
“Leads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leads. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share