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.

During the question and answer section, Forbes said her 2023 leadership bid was initially viewed "as a bit of a slum dunk", adding: "I was very much in the lead."

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

The first half of the year ended with a bang on Tuesday, and while AI-driven tech was in the lead per usual, it wasn’t alone.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

The bank announced two new co-presidents last week, Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh, putting them in the lead as candidates to succeed Dimon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

The race turned on a virtual safety car that gifted Hamilton a cheap pit stop and ensured he would come out in the lead from Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

With Rowdy in the lead, we started for the barn.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

in the lead

Example Sentences

Related Words