lead 1 of 3

verb

ˈlēd How to pronounce lead (audio)
Definition of leadnext
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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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
as in to guide
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

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lead

2 of 3

noun

ˈlēd How to pronounce lead (audio)
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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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
as in cue
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lead

3 of 3

adjective

ˈlēd How to pronounce lead (audio)
as in leading
highest in rank or authority the lead diplomat is responsible for making policy for the entire embassy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 lead
Verb
However, access is a steep and crumbling concrete staircase leading down to the river and boat tours. —Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025 Donald Trump does not need to lead and govern this way. —ABC News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
The Indian adaptation of Monk has found its lead detective. —Peter White, Deadline, 26 May 2025 Not now, after such a promising early run, then falling back in the field, then muscling his way back onto the lead lap and into contention. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead
  1. steer
  2. command
  3. accompany
  4. go
  5. guide
  6. principal
  7. distance
  8. tip
Verb
  • Otherwise, Parkinson has steered clear of borrowing players from elsewhere, focusing instead on permanent signings.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, the plan steers the Kingdom from reliance on oil to become a global leader in such sectors as technology, entertainment and tourism.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of steer
Verb
  • Walz, while lacking the same national exposure that some of his potential rivals have commanded this year, remains actively engaged across the country.
    — Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • The driving beat keeps the pressure up, as Who’s voice reaches a new stratosphere, commanding you to get to the nearest dancefloor ASAP.
    — Stephen Daw, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Definition of command
Verb
  • On Thursday morning, Ruth, a volunteer who asked not to be fully identified for fear of retaliation, accompanied an asylum seeker from Colombia to his court hearing — something volunteers have been doing for a long time to support migrants without legal representation.
    — Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Something Beautiful will be accompanied by a visual album, which is set to have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 6.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
Definition of accompany
Verb
  • Radamel Falcao has gone home to Colombia; playing for Millonarios in Bogota and perhaps most spectacularly Óscar Cardozo, who is now 42, has spent almost a decade back playing in his native Paraguay after a decade abroad.
    — Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The funds raised at this event are crucial, as the net proceeds go directly to DMVA, allowing the organization to further its essential nonprofit mission: to bolster and sustain the small businesses that form the heart of the Del Mar community, the news release stated.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • Edwards has guided the Timberwolves to two consecutive Western Conference Finals berths for the first time in franchise history.
    — Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Traffic control sign patterns will guide motorists through the work zone, according to the agency.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Definition of guide
Noun
  • The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw school district announced that Wilson was hired to be the next principal at Boswell High School after the current principal, Vaughn Flagler, was hired as assistant superintendent for human resources in the Anna school district.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
  • He was charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office and is being held on $1.1 million bond.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of principal
Noun
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
  • Flowers kept his distance the following summer and got a job at Charlestown Senior Living in Catonsville.
    — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 29 May 2025
Definition of distance
Noun
  • Waiters and those who get tips Tips would not be taxed if the bill passes.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Trump’s legislation, at more than 1,100 pages, would permanently extend his 2017 tax cuts set to expire at the end of this year while introducing new policies like tax exemptions for tips and overtime wages.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 22 May 2025
Definition of tip

Phrases Containing lead

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leaching
lead
leaden
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on lead

Nglish: Translation of lead for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lead

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