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Definitions

lead the way

VERB
blaze a trail
Synonyms
WEAK
pilot spearhead
VERB
break the ice
Synonyms
WEAK
be friendly and talkative break ground cut the first turf get one's feet wet lay the first stone lead off make a start oil the works open the way pave the way set at ease smooth the path socialize start start the ball rolling take the plunge
VERB
head
Synonyms
STRONGEST
command control direct guide lead run
STRONG
address dominate govern pioneer precede rule supervise
WEAK
be first be in charge go first hold sway over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon follow misguide mislead neglect obey
STRONG
serve submit surrender yield

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.

Now that “Project Hail Mary” has launched the possibility of a fruitful Hollywood career, Ortiz’s only aim is to continue letting his abilities lead the way without inflexible expectations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Of the teams still standing, South Africa lead the way in terms of powerplay wickets with 21, but they have been more expensive than England.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic, which are collectively worth more than $2 trillion, could lead the way.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Even Ursula and Sasha rely on men for their escape, accepting that whoever has the correct experience and expertise should lead the way.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

I lead the way across a dark street and down a narrow lane lined with trees.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin