take the lead

phrase

1
: to take a position that is ahead of others : go first
You take the lead and we'll follow right behind you.
2
: to take the winning position in a race or competition
Her car has taken the lead.
Our team took the lead in the eighth inning.
—often used figuratively
Their company has taken the lead in developing this new technology.

Examples of take the lead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As creating content becomes easier, the real value comms pros offer may increasingly come from knowing what to say, what matters to an audience and when human judgment needs to take the lead. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The Eagles were able to march down the field and take the lead back thanks to a Jake Elliott 48-yard field goalwith 8 seconds left in the game. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 After trailing Virginia Tech for nearly the entire game, Cal (3-3, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) went on a six-play, 75-yard drive to take the lead. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026 After throwing for just 18 yards in a scoreless third quarter, Craig had multiple chances to help TCU tie or take the lead in the fourth. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take the lead

Rhymes for take the lead

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Browse Nearby Words

take the law into one's own hands
take the lead
take the liberty of
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Cite this Entry

“Take the lead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20lead. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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