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.

“This is what happens when you take the lead in the polls and you’re ahead of everyone else. They all come at you,” Becerra said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

The battle at the front continued after the restart, when Norris took second from Antonelli and then quickly passed the Ferrari to take the lead.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

He said the strongest approach to negotiating is for the student to take the lead and ask the schools about their appeals procedures — and then follow through.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

The Rockets used numerous Lakers mistakes and defensive mistakes to take the lead in the final five minutes and seemingly hold it for a series-changing victory.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

In the old days, an Osage clan, which included a group known as the Travelers in the Mist, would take the lead whenever the tribe was undergoing sudden changes or venturing into unfamiliar realms.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

take the lead

Example Sentences

Related Words