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 polls,” he rightly noted.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

“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

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

Related Digital, the developer building the site, chose Bank of America to take the lead on arranging financing, people familiar with the matter said, in part because it didn’t have as much Oracle exposure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 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