English word

Lead

Definitions

verb (1)

  1. to guide on a way especially by going in advance
  2. to have a margin over
  3. to bring to some conclusion or condition
  4. to begin play with
  5. to aim in front of (a moving object)
  6. to pass a ball or puck just in front of (a moving teammate)
  7. to guide someone or something along a way
  8. to lie, run, or open in a specified place or direction
  9. to guide a dance partner through the steps of a dance
  10. to be first
  11. begin, open
  12. to direct on a course or in a direction
  13. to play the first card of a trick, round, or game
  14. to tend toward or have a result
  15. to direct the first of a series of blows at an opponent in boxing
  16. to serve as a channel for
  17. to go through : live
  18. to direct the operations, activity, or performance of
  19. to have charge of
  20. to suggest to (a witness) the answer desired by asking leading questions
  21. to go at the head of
  22. to be first in or among

Synonyms for lead

Closest evidence-backed alternatives.

  • guide
  • steer
  • accompany
  • escort

Synonyms by context

To physically guide a person or animal

verb

  • conduct
  • show
  • usher
  • marshall
  • marshal
  • pilot
  • lead the way

To be persuaded based on available information

verb

  • cause
  • induce
  • prompt
  • persuade
  • move
  • sway
  • influence
  • motivate
  • condition
  • drive

(lead to) To culminate or result in a particular event or consequence

verb

  • result in
  • bring on
  • bring about
  • give rise to
  • produce
  • effect
  • create
  • engender
  • generate

(the lead) A position of advantage in a contest

noun

  • leading position
  • front
  • fore
  • vanguard
  • head
  • winning position
  • forefront
  • advance position
  • van
  • spearhead

A dominant position in a competitive environment

noun

  • dominance
  • superiority
  • primacy
  • leading place
  • first place
  • primary position
  • domination
  • dominion
  • first position

The amount by which a competitor is ahead in a contest

noun

  • winning margin
  • margin
  • edge
  • gap
  • start
  • interval
  • distance
  • flying start
  • spacing
  • spread

First place, or a position of dominance

adjective

Outstanding in standard or quality

adjective

Antonyms for lead

  • accompany
  • go with
  • go together with
  • keep up with
  • tag along with

Opposite of to physically guide a person or animal

  • follow
  • accompany
  • go with
  • go along with
  • go together with
  • tag along with
  • tag after
  • keep up with
  • shadow
  • stay with

Opposite of to be persuaded based on available information

  • dissuade
  • disincline
  • discourage
  • indispose
  • deter
  • divert
  • put off
  • prevent
  • stop
  • hinder

(lead to) Opposite of to culminate or result in a particular event or consequence

  • counter
  • counteract
  • halt
  • impede
  • inhibit
  • obstruct
  • prohibit

(the lead) Opposite of a position of advantage in a contest

  • rear
  • back
  • losing position
  • last
  • background
  • followers
  • tail
  • back end

Opposite of a dominant position in a competitive environment

  • last place
  • bottom
  • last position
  • final place

Opposite of the amount by which a competitor is ahead in a contest

  • deficit
  • arrears
  • in the red

Opposite of first place, or a position of dominance

  • lowest
  • base
  • bottommost
  • final
  • lowermost
  • rock-bottom
  • nethermost
  • undermost

Opposite of most prominent in rank, importance, or position

  • least
  • minor
  • inferior
  • secondary
  • unimportant
  • subordinate
  • auxiliary
  • trivial

Phrases

  • bear someone company
  • call for
  • cause to arrive in
  • cause to be in
  • cause to land in
  • come along
  • come along with
  • come with
  • consort with
  • escort out
  • give a lift to
  • give a ride to
  • give directions to
  • go along
  • go along with
  • go around with
  • go for
  • go out with
  • go to get
  • go together with