spearheaded

[speer-hed-id] / ˈspɪərˌhɛd ɪd /

VERB

lead, start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

initiate launch prompt spur

STRONG

bring cause direct guide head helm influence introduce motivate move originate persuade pioneer produce quarterback shepherd

WEAK

bring on get the jump on go out in front run things trail-blaze

Antonyms

STRONGEST

end finish stop

STRONG

discourage dissuade leave misguide mislead neglect result

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.

Once in control of swathes of Syria and Iraq, IS was territorially defeated in 2019 in a battle spearheaded by Kurdish-led forces with support from a US-led international coalition.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Newhouse’s eldest son, Steven, spearheaded the company’s growth on the internet and on mobile devices.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The players' campaign, which began in late 2025, is being spearheaded by former WTA chairman and chief executive Larry Scott.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Evans was instrumental in the decision to shift the team away from the previously announced production of “Arabian Nights,” a project once spearheaded by Baker, who died in 2014.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

These multinationals went global for markets and labor, spearheaded first by the expansion of the Dutch and English joint-stock companies and the Industrial Revolution.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman