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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leading
Luke Smith, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Better stats are net new employment, new unemployment claims, inflation indices, new corporate investments, capacity utilization and the stock market in general, which is an excellent leading indicator of the economy.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 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
Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading teammate Lando Norris to a McLaren 1-2 finish and giving the team a sweep of the Formula One season’s first two races.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Better stats are net new employment, new unemployment claims, inflation indices, new corporate investments, capacity utilization and the stock market in general, which is an excellent leading indicator of the economy.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 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
-
As previously reported, this year’s main competition jury president will be Juliette Binoche, who will oversee the choosing of the Palme d’Or and other festival awards alongside a jury yet to be announced.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The first drop pays homage to Jackson, Wyo., where Season 2 begins, after the two main characters found temporary refuge there in Season 1.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Since launching his campaign in March, Cuomo has taken a commanding lead in the polls and siphoned some of Adams’s old political coalition.—
David Sivak,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Big Cat still holds a commanding lead in career earnings at $120,999,166.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
So that’s my guiding light, through just historical data.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted the North Carolina Department Department of Health and Human Services over $1 million for lead testing in schools and daycares.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Mike Woodruff is the lead pastor at Christ Church, which has four campuses in the north suburbs.—
Mike Woodruff,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share