Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

leading

[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
chief, superior
Synonyms
STRONGEST
best dominant famous main noted outstanding popular preeminent principal prominent top well-known
STRONG
arch champion dominating first governing inaugural initial premier primary ruling
WEAK
foremost greatest headmost highest notorious number one stellar
Antonyms
STRONGEST
auxiliary extra inconspicuous inferior insignificant least low minor obscure ordinary secondary subordinate unimportant unknown unremarkable
STRONG
final last
WEAK
supplementary

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.

Ad-vantage: Meta Platforms is expected to surpass Google to become the world’s leading digital-advertising business, a first for the social-media company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Registered health visitor Ruth Watts says the high workload is leading to "missed opportunities" to help families.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

The PHS, a leading indicator of housing activity, is expected to be flat month over month, after a 1.8% increase in February.

From Barron's • Apr. 19, 2026

After leading the stock market for much of the past two years, the Magnificent Seven faced headwinds in the beginning of 2026.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 19, 2026

If not for Old Timothy leading the hounds astray until she and the children had nearly reached the house, they would have been at the mercy of Lord Fredrick’s wild shots.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood