take the lead

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command v.
pioneer v.
rank v.

VERB

command

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appoint authorize call for direct require tell

STRONG

adjure ban bar beckon bid call charge check cite compel debar dictate enact enjoin exact forbid grant impose inflict inhibit instruct interdict oblige ordain order ordinate proclaim prohibit requisition restrain set subpoena summon task warn

WEAK

call on call the signals call upon force upon give directions give orders lay down the law mark out put foot down rule out send for take charge

Antonyms

STRONGEST

reject

STRONG

aid allow approve ask assist cancel conceal disallow free help hinder liberate permit prevent refuse stop veto

WEAK

contradict countermand follow oppose recall reverse revoke

VERB

pioneer

Synonyms

STRONG

begin colonize create develop discover establish explore found initiate instigate institute launch originate prepare spearhead start

WEAK

go out in front map out open up show the way trailblaze

Antonyms

STRONG

cease complete conclude destroy die end finish halt ignore neglect prevent ruin stop terminate

VERB

rank

Synonyms

STRONGEST

stand

STRONG

antecede belong outrank precede

WEAK

be classed be worth come first count among forerun go ahead of go before have the advantage

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.

See Examples For:

take the lead

San José then had a golden opportunity to take the lead.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026

The attitude that you should have as a solo artist is very clear, you have to take the lead on stage until the very end.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

Easton, head of nature's recovery at the trust, said they "can't wait to begin and let nature take the lead".

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

On Friday, Spain for the first time ever declared a national emergency because of the wildfires, allowing the central government to take the lead in emergency efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

I would score and take the lead, and then she would follow up aggressively winning a point.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

take the lead

Example Sentences

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Related Words