Leading
What it means
Holding a notably important, advanced, or influential position.
Reach for it when describing a person or organization with credible standing in its field
A leading accessibility researcher reviewed the station design.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when brief informal praise suits a clear high performer
Careful Top can imply number one when the evidence only supports membership in a strong group.
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warm
Fits when earned regard is safer than a ranking claim
Careful Respected is modest when measurable field leadership matters.
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professional
Fits when the subject shapes decisions or practice
Careful Influential does not necessarily mean skilled, ethical, or advanced.
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professional
Fits when original work opened a new path
Careful Pioneering concerns novelty, not present leadership in the field.
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professional
prominent
Fits when visibility and influence are more certain than rank
Careful Prominent may reflect fame without excellence.
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formal
Fits when the subject has a defensible claim to the highest standing
Careful Foremost is stronger than leading and needs exceptional evidence.
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literary
Fits when singular distinction is both intended and supportable
Careful Preeminent is inflated for one of several respected contributors.
Opposites 3
- minor
- trailing
- obscure
Common phrases 3
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leading expert
A leading expert translated the findings into practical guidance.
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leading role
Local nurses took a leading role in redesigning the clinic.
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leading provider
The cooperative became a leading provider of affordable insulation.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated