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.
Whipp says of lead Michael Shannon: He “usually plays the assassin. In ‘Death by Lightning,’ he plays President James A. Garfield, showing us a principled man who aims for a life of public service.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
His first stint in the car on Saturday afternoon took his team from 10th on the road to the lead.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
But with China set on narrowing the United States' lead in the strategic sector, until now little further cooperation has followed.
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
Officially, the win gave the Spurs a 1-0 lead in the series, with up to six games remaining.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
In the lead was a girl I had talked to in Shageluk, who had advised me not to stand around at the checkpoints and jabber.
From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell
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!
