lead
Usage
What are other ways to say lead?
To lead is to bring onward in a course, guiding by contact or by going in advance; hence, figuratively, to influence or induce to some course of conduct: to lead a procession; to lead astray. Guide implies continuous presence or agency in showing or indicating a course: to guide a traveler. To conduct is to precede or escort them to a place, sometimes with a degree of ceremony: to conduct a guest to his room. To direct is to give information for guidance, or instructions or orders for a course of procedure: to direct someone to the station.
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.
Pitcher Shohei Ohtani leaves the game with a three-run lead, but bullpen can’t hang on and Dodgers lose to the Pirates.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
The investigation “raised concerns that some patients may have been denied medically necessary care,” the lead author of the reports said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
The Knicks now have a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series, which shifts back to San Antonio for game five on Saturday.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
That may lead to participation rates that are higher than among the population as a whole.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026
“Well, you could come up with some ideas and pitch them to the lead sports teachers,” Dad suggests.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Vocabulary lists containing lead
Black and Gray
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Journalism
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Theater - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
