LEADING EDGE Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

leading edge 1 of 2

noun

ˈlē-diŋ-

Definition of leading edge

as in forefront

the leading or most important part of a movement an activist who is on the leading edge of the fight for equal marriage rights

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

leading-edge

2 of 2

adjective

as in modern

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 edge

Noun

Many departments across South Florida are adopting AI tools, and some intentionally are not, but the Palm Beach Police Department seems to be on the leading edge of how the technology is being used in law enforcement. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026 Wind speeds of 60 to 70 mph will be possible on the leading edge of any storms rolling through. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Intel's willingness to buy these expensive machines is a positive signal that its foundry (chip industry-speak for manufacturing) is expanding capacity and improving yields for leading-edge chips. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 15 July 2026 Yep, there is a lot to admire about leading-edge AI. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading edge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leading edge

Noun

Hamilton’s church, the Church of the Resurrection, was at the forefront of making the Methodist church more inclusive of LGBTQ congregants, but many churches also supported the change.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
The best memories can sometimes come to the forefront, but Jay’s first memories of his dad are really tragic ones.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of forefront

Adjective

Advertisement China itself offers the greatest modern demonstration of what technological diffusion can accomplish.

— Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
Indeed, even after modern jeans were invented in the late 19th century, denim continued to be used to make such apparel as work jackets, prison uniforms, naval fatigues, and jumpsuits.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
The American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.

— Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023

Definition of latest

Adjective

Nobody Wants This is back for a third season of dancing around the real issues of contemporary Judaism in America so that maybe Kristen Bell’s convert character Joanne can learn about hamantaschen rather than have one political conversation.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Its concept connects nostalgic dance music with contemporary party culture, creating a record designed to encourage movement and audience participation.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

That’s the highest band measured by Bank of America Institute’s Taylor Bowley and Jon Kaplan in their recent survey of spiraling childcare costs.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
An average of four recent polls puts the two camps at roughly 50 and 53 seats, respectively, leaving Arab parties and smaller factions potentially pivotal.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of recent

Adjective

Each ship comes with 16 missile launch cells, a Lockheed Martin SPY-7 radar, an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter, and other cutting-edge missile defense capabilities.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
One problem is that cutting-edge engines that burn hotter and use less fuel are coming up for maintenance far earlier than airlines expected.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of cutting-edge

Adjective

Instead of relying on an external mechanical tool to move the molecule, the current itself powers the motion.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
If the current odds in all those states hold, the Democrats would win 18 out of 35 races and shift the majority from 53-47 for the Republicans to 52-48 for the Democrats.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of current

Browse Nearby Words

leading

leading edge

leading-edge

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Leading edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leading%20edge. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of leading edge

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes