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.

Gen Qasem Soleimani spearheaded Iranian military operations in the Middle East as head of Iran's elite Quds Force.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

With him was 35-year-old Hani, a technically minded cousin who spearheaded the effort to understand how the abduction took place, and who gave only his first name to avoid reprisals.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Angel City puts last year’s struggles behind them with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Chicago Stars spearheaded by its new-look roster.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

She and other leaders are now trying to push forward the farmworker movement and continue the work that many women — not just Chavez — spearheaded.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 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