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Definitions

lead up to

VERB
get at
Synonyms
WEAK
aim hint imply purpose suggest
Antonyms
WEAK
lose miss pass
VERB
preface
Synonyms
STRONG
begin commence launch lead open precede prefix usher
Antonyms
STRONG
cease complete conclude end finish follow stop

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.

That result during the critical lead up to Christmas led the maker of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars to post sales and profit below Wall Street expectations in the fourth quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

Videos have emerged showing a scuffle between Border Patrol agents and the man in the lead up to the shooting.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

We’ve seen this a lot with the lead up to the ICE crackdowns, for example.

From Salon • Jan. 20, 2026

“With new sales growth waning especially sharply in the lead up to the holiday season, economic activity may soften further as we head into 2026,” said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 16, 2025

We’re approaching the stairs that lead up to the meetup.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera