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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of leading
Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
The actress, who scored her first leading role as Zenon, has starred in the long-running soap opera since 2005.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 4 Oct. 2024
The betting data changes throughout each day and the leading online sportsbooks adjust the spread and odds.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leading 
Adjective
In Michigan, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
The actress, who scored her first leading role as Zenon, has starred in the long-running soap opera since 2005.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
Tom Hatten, the founder of Mountainside Fitness who is leading the campaign for the Back the Blue Act, said the measure would show first responders they are supported in Arizona at a time when policing across the nation has generated intense scrutiny.
—Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 4 Oct. 2024
The betting data changes throughout each day and the leading online sportsbooks adjust the spread and odds.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
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The Bureaus of Land Management and Ocean Energy Management, as well as the Forest Service, are the three main entities that issue oil and gas leases on public spaces.Li Zhou, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024
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Cortisol: As the body’s main stress hormone, cortisol is essential for managing stress.Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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In District 10, which Mahan represented before becoming mayor, George Casey has defeated incumbent Arjun Batra after jumping out to a commanding lead and winning 57.8% of the vote in his district, according to Friday evening’s vote tally by the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
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Gallego took a commanding early lead over Lake in the initial results.Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Now that will take time, hard work, intelligence, faith, and women and men with a national good guiding their hearts.Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Oct. 2024
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Each component within this framework serves as a guiding principle for workers looking to thrive in the future workplace.Santhosh Vijayabaskar, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Bad for the studio and worse for the theaters that counted on another $135 million or so in box office revenue (and accompanying concessions).Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2024
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Keep reading for the best options, plus accompanying input from dermatologists.Sarah Madaus, Allure, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Saker continues to operate the Downtown Manhattan Heliport under an Interim Concession Agreement, with renewal options extending through June 12, 2025.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
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The company has borrowed $5,935,000 through promissory notes for extending the combination period and for working capital purposes.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Great guests engage, make polite conversation and put the focus on others by showing an interest in them.Marni Jameson, arkansasonline.com, 5 Oct. 2024
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Season 2 has struggled to retain Season 1’s large base, Katie noted, with Samba TV data showing Season 2’s first ep drew half that of Season 1’s opener, which, to be fair, remains the streamer’s largest premiere to date.Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Talk of Jordan’s involvement spiked Tuesday when producers of Broadway’s The Great Gatsby announced that actor Ryan McCartan would soon be taking over the lead role of that musical from the exiting Jordan.Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2024
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The company invests more than $80,000 monthly in marketing and lead generation, but here's the kicker: Haven leads with truth, not hype.Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Tesla has been steering away from its electric vehicle (EV) roots, shifting focus towards artificial intelligence and robotics.Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2024
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Over the next couple of years, Chrysler made other upgrades including steering and braking redundancy that ultimately lead to an AV-ready version of the Pacifica.Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near leading
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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