in the lead

ADJECTIVE

advance

Synonyms

STRONG

first forward leading prior

WEAK

beforehand earlier early foremost in front in the forefront previously

Antonyms

STRONG

last later

WEAK

after behind

ADJECTIVE

triumphant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

celebratory elated exultant glorious happy jubilant proud triumphal victorious

WEAK

boastful champion conquering dominant looking good lucky on top out front prizewinning rejoicing swaggering unbeaten undefeated winning

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depressed discouraged sad sorrowful unhappy

WEAK

defeated failing losing unsuccessful

ADVERB

ahead

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advanced along before earlier forward

STRONG

beforehand forwards onward onwards

WEAK

advancing ante antecedently at an advantage at the head first fore foremost in the foreground leading on precedent precedently preceding previous progressing to the fore

Antonyms

STRONGEST

behind

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One candidate could appear to be in the lead on election night and another could overtake them once all ballots are counted.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

The other two show Hilton in the lead, trailed by Steyer.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

The information technology sector was in the lead with a 17.7% gain, as semiconductor stocks continued their charge.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Young has said he is unhappy that members of Congress haven’t held public hearings in the lead up to the war or since.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Natalie and Emma ran slightly ahead, in the lead.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

in the lead

Example Sentences

Related Words