take the lead

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.

That’s all it took for the Seattle Storm’s Flau’jae Johnson to fire off a 27-foot three-point jumper to take the lead.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026

But then comes the disappointment as Croatia equalise, before we take the lead again only to squander it and go in at half time with the match evenly poised at 2-2.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

"Luckily we were able to reverse that situation, take the lead and get the three points."

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

Roblox is a social gaming platform with a young demographic, and it has decided to take the lead in estimating users’ ages, and then keeping age groups in their own silos.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

“Why, Hattie, I believe you’ve learned to take the lead out of your baking.”

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

take the lead

Example Sentences

Related Words