Definition of leadingnext
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leading

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verb

present participle of lead
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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

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as in extending
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction this old road leads to an abandoned quarry

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

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
Adjective
Since then, Nguyen's Houston restaurant, Crawfish & Noodles, has been a leading proponent of Viet-Cajun fusion cuisine. David Morgan, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Across a career of more than four decades, Bhagyaraj directed over 25 films and appeared as an actor in more than 75, frequently occupying the writer, director and leading-man roles simultaneously. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 June 2026
Verb
Yet despite those struggles, South Africa, one of Africa’s leading industrial economies, remains a destination for migrants willing to take low-paying jobs in domestic work, security and agriculture. Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 The Leading Explanation For An Adam’s Apple Why testosterone would remodel the throat at all is the more interesting question, and the leading explanation is a matter of acoustics. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading
Adjective
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • And beyond all the light and magic of their goals, this was just a very commanding team performance.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • The venue falls within the NYPD's Patrol Borough Manhattan South, whose commanding officer was reassigned last week amid an internal affairs corruption probe.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Gemini asked guiding questions in 76% of its messages and gave a straight answer 2% of the time.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • That balance between comedy and horror became the guiding principle for the production.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The eagles — and occasionally their chicks — could be seen on Friends of Big Bear Valley’s livestream heading into Sunday evening.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The supermodel was one of the most surprising people to make the guest list, causing pandemonium amongst Swifties and pop culture nerds alike when she was photographed heading to the wedding in a gorgeous gold silk gown (what a gold rush).
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The idea was to reflect girlhood through different periods of American history, showing the changes and similarities in books and their accompanying dolls and historically accurate outfits.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The oversized Route 66 sign accompanying the treat is perfect for a selfie background, and the statue is located next to the Rich & Creamy Ice Cream Shop.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Gilles Pélisson has been unanimously reelected as president of Unifrance for a second three-year term, extending his mandate at the helm of the French film and TV promotion body.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • Advertisements extending beyond traditional commercial breaks to include live presenter endorsements and real-time odds promotions have sparked a fresh wave of indignation, with politicians across the political spectrum calling for tighter controls.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The idea was to reflect girlhood through different periods of American history, showing the changes and similarities in books and their accompanying dolls and historically accurate outfits.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • What started as a small barbecue competition with 12 teams has become a 44-year tradition with more than 100 teams showing up and showing out at the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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